2 December 2009
Victory for free press
An overwhelming vote by Maldives' parliament on 23 November supported a change to the penal code to abolish five legal provisions for criminal defamation, reports ARTICLE 19.
The parliamentary committee reviewing the Bill had recommended that the crime of defamation be retained, reports ARTICLE 19. But the Bill, proposed by the government, is part of a broader effort to respect freedom of expression.
ARTICLE 19 and UNESCO recently issued a joint report which included a recommendation to decriminalise defamation in the Maldives.
ARTICLE 19 urges the government of Maldives to continue to introduce reforms for freedom of expression in the areas of broadcasting and the right to information.
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