The adoption of the "Bill on Protection of Reputation and Good Name and Freedom of Expression" by the Maldivian Parliament on 9 August imposes a number of restrictions on the freedom of expression, including restrictions on grounds of religion, defamation and social norms. The penalisation of defamation and the high penalties prescribed in the Bill pose a direct threat to media, political opposition and civil society in the Maldives. The penalisation of such acts, in a country where the independence and functioning of the judiciary is not in compliance with international standards, is aggravating the situation further. Universal fundamental freedoms and democratic institutions, which are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, must be protected rather than eroded. The Government of the Maldives needs to respect its Constitution, including the freedoms of expression and of assembly, which are cornerstones of any democratic society.