Literature does not need to be approved by a committee before publishing- Shahid

Abdul Latheef

Henveiru Hulhangu constituency MP, Abdulla Shahid has said that literature does not need to be approved by a committee before publishing.

Abdulla Shahid said that the ‘Regulations on approving literature published in the Maldives’ enacted by the National Bureau of Classification is against the articles 27, 28 and 29 of the constitution.

He said that it violates the laws of freedom of expression and press freedom granted by the constitution.

Abdulla Shahid said that the passing of such laws is from the characteristics of a dictatorship.

Dhivehi Language Academy and Writers Organization has issues concern regarding the ‘Regulations on approving literature published in the Maldives’.

According to section 11(a) of the regulations “A poem must be made public in the Maldives after seeking approval from the national bureau of classification.”

The 27th article of the constitution states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and the freedom to communicate opinions and expression in a manner that is not contrary to any tenet of Islam.”

According to the 28th article, “Everyone has the right to freedom of the press, and other means of communication, including the right to espouse, disseminate and publish news, information, views and ideas. No person shall be compelled to disclose the source of any information that is espoused, disseminated or published by that person.”

The 29th article states that “Everyone has the freedom to acquire and impart knowledge, information and learning.”