Maldives government Monday publicized the guideline for hefty fines under the controversial defamation.
Under the guideline, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission and Maldives Media Council have the authority to penalise media outlets and individual journalists.
The guideline stipulates several categories of fines under the defamation law.
- First offence - Between 50,000 to 250,000
- Second offence - Between 250,000 to 500,000
- Third offence - Between 500,000 to 750,000
- Over four offences - Between 750,000 and 1,000,000
The guidelines for any broadcasters that broadcast content that are deemed in violation of the law.
- First offence - Between 50,000 to 70,000
- Second offence - Between 75,000 to 100,000
- Over three offence - Between 100,000 and 150,000
The guidelines for any media that broadcasts content that poses a threat to national security or defames a person.
- First offence - Between 50,000 to 500,000
- Second offence - Between 500,000 to 1,000,000
- Third offence - Between 1,000,000 to 1,500,000
- Over four offences - Between 1,500,000 to 2,000,000
The guidelines for any broadcasters that broadcast content that poses a threat to national security or defames a person.
- First offence - Between 50,000 to 75,000
- Second offence - Between 75,000 to 100,000
- Over three offences - Between 100,000 to 150,000
The guidelines come into effect as soon as they are gazetted.
The defamation law was passed as several media outlets opposition parties pleaded the government to withdraw the controversial Act. But the bill was subsequently passed with overwhelming parliament majority.
