A new law granting authorities in the Maldives sweeping powers over the media has sparked an outcry from journalists, who say it's an attack on press freedom.



The president of the Indian Ocean island country, Mohamed Muizzu, ratified the law on Thursday. He also set up a regulatory commission to oversee it.



The presidential office says the law will make it easier to register news organizations and stop the spread of false information.



But local media say the commission will become the sole judge of the veracity of news. They say it will have unfettered power to revoke the registration of news agencies and impose heavy fines.
The local journalists' association issued a statement that says the law is designed to intimidate reporters and encourage self-censorship.



It's calling on the public to support its cause, and says it will consider launching a legal challenge.
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Quiz 1:
Which country recently passed a new law regarding media that has sparked an outcry from journalists?
A. Mali
B. Maldives
C. Madagascar
D. Mauritius

Quiz 2:
According to the article, who in the Maldives will become the sole judge of the veracity of news?
A. The public
B. The local media
C. The regulatory commission
D. The president

Quiz 3:
What action is the local journalists' association considering due to the new law in the Maldives?
A. Launching a protest
B. Establishing a regulatory commission
C. Imposing heavy fines
D. Launching a legal challenge