According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Maldives has climbed two places to 104th out of 180 countries, up from 106th in 2023, with an unchanged score of 52.46.

Despite this modest progress, RSF warns that journalists in the archipelago continue to face considerable obstacles to their independence and safety.

RSF’s analysis highlights that, although the constitutional guarantee of press freedom under Article 28 pledges to protect source confidentiality, the Evidence Act, which came into force in January 2023, still empowers courts to compel reporters to reveal their sources.

The report calls on authorities to harmonize legislation with constitutional principles to remove this legal ambiguity.

The RSF report also draws attention to economic pressures affecting media outlets.

RSF notes instances where outlets receiving substantial government advertising were subsequently discouraged from covering sensitive topics.

On the safety front, RSF recalls the unresolved cases of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, who disappeared in 2014, and blogger Yameen Rasheed, murdered in 2017.

The report criticizes the 2023 acquittal of suspects in these crimes, warning that impunity continues to threaten journalists’ security.

RSF further documents the use of force against reporters during recent political protests and an uptick in harassment of women working in the press.

RSF’s media landscape overview underscores the country’s diverse outlets, nine television channels, two radio stations, one daily newspaper, and over 100 online platforms in Dhivehi and English, but warns that both state broadcasters and privately owned media operate under continuing legal, economic, and security pressures.

Despite these enduring challenges, the Maldives’ rise in the Index reflects the positive effects of ongoing legal reforms, active civil society engagement, and the resilience of its media professionals.

With continued commitment to RSF’s recommendations, harmonizing laws, ensuring transparent funding, and safeguarding journalist safety, Maldives is well positioned to build on its gains and foster a more independent, vibrant press in the years ahead.