The new law punishes with jail and fines those who, in Nicaragua or abroad, spread on social networks publications that cause “alarm, fear, panic or anxiety” among the populationsaid in a statement the parliament, controlled by the Ortega government.
The new law reforms the cybercrime law that was applied in 2020, led to the accusation and arrest of many opposition figures and journalists in Nicaragua for “spreading fake news,” and increases penalties for those accused. The opposition claims that the new law legalises censorship on social media.
Sanctions will also be applied against the “intellectual authors, necessary collaborators, accomplices, or any other person who facilitates the commission of these crimes,” whether or not they are originally from Nicaraguahe adds.
“This strengthens the prevention, confrontation, investigation and prosecution of crimes. committed by natural or legal persons within or outside the country, through computer systems, new technologies and social networks,” the parliament said in a statement.
This rule is added to a reform to the penal code approved last week that imposed sentences of up to 30 years in prison and confiscation of property for “crimes against the Nicaraguan State.”
The Ortega government has tightened this repression following opposition protests in 2018, in part through changes to legislation. Since then, it has forced the closure of some 5,500 NGOs. and has confiscated their property.
The 2018 protests left more than 300 dead in three monthsaccording to the UN, and since then thousands of Nicaraguans have gone into exile and hundreds have been expelled and their property confiscated. The new law will come into force when it is published in the official gazette La Gaceta.
Amendments and Additions to the Special Law on Cybercrime and Credit Agreements with Belarus Approved pic.twitter.com/doqDbD9AsX
— National Assembly of Nicaragua (@AsambleaNi) September 11, 2024
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#Nicaragua #approves #law #condemning #opponents #Ortega #government
Human rights Watch Nicaragua
Table of Contents
Nicaragua’s New Law: A Tool for Censorship and Repression?
In a move that has sparked concern among human rights advocates and opposition groups, the Nicaraguan government has introduced a new law that punishes individuals for spreading “alarm, fear, panic, or anxiety” on social media. The law, which reforms the cybercrime law of 2020, increases penalties for those accused of spreading fake news and allows for the prosecution of individuals, both within and outside Nicaragua, who facilitate or collaborate in the commission of these crimes.
Crackdown on Free Speech and Opposition
The Ortega government has been accused of using the new law to legalise censorship on social media and to further repress opposition voices. The opposition claims that the law is a tool to silence critics and stifle free speech, allowing the government to punish individuals for expressing dissenting views or sharing information that is critical of the government.
Penalties and Prosecution
The new law imposes severe penalties on those found guilty of spreading fake news, including jail time and fines. Additionally, the law allows for the prosecution of “intellectual authors, necessary collaborators, accomplices, or any other person who facilitates the commission of these crimes,” regardless of their nationality or location. This means that individuals outside of Nicaragua who share information deemed offensive by the government could also face prosecution.
Reform to the Penal Code
The new law is accompanied by a reform to the penal code, which imposes sentences of up to 30 years in prison and confiscation of property for “crimes against the Nicaraguan State.” This reform has raised concerns about the government’s intention to further repress opposition and stifle dissent.
History of Repression
The Ortega government has a history of repressing opposition voices and suppressing free speech. In 2018, protests against the government led to the deaths of over 300 people, and since then, thousands of Nicaraguans have gone into exile, and hundreds have been expelled and had their property confiscated. The government has also forced the closure of over 5,500 NGOs and confiscated their property.
International Condemnation
The international community has condemned the Nicaraguan government’s actions, with the United Nations reporting continued human rights violations and erosion of democratic institutions in the country [[3]]. The US government has also introduced legislation to impose economic sanctions on Nicaragua in response to its human rights violations [[1]].
Concerns for Human Rights
The new law and penal code reforms have raised significant concerns about the state of human rights in Nicaragua. The government’s attempts to control internet content and punish individuals for exercising their right to free speech are a clear violation of human rights and dignity.
Conclusion
The new law in Nicaragua is a worrying development in the country’s ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights. The law’s broad scope and severe penalties have the potential to stifle free speech and further repress opposition voices, and its implementation is a clear violation of human rights. The international community must continue to condemn the Nicaraguan government’s actions and support the people of Nicaragua in their struggle for democracy and freedom.
Crackdown on Free Speech: Nicaragua’s New Law Punishes Social Media Users for Spreading “Alarm”
Nicaragua has taken a significant step towards suppressing free speech and dissent by introducing a new law that punishes individuals for spreading “alarm, fear, panic, or anxiety” on social media. The law, approved by the country’s parliament, controlled by the Ortega government, targets not only Nicaraguan citizens but also foreigners who dare to speak out against the regime.
Reform of Cybercrime Law
The new law is an amendment to the cybercrime law that was implemented in 2020, which led to the arrest and accusation of many opposition figures and journalists in Nicaragua for “spreading fake news” [[1]]. The opposition has condemned the law, claiming that it legalizes censorship on social media. The government, on the other hand, claims that the law aims to prevent and combat crimes committed through computer systems and social networks.
Harsh Penalties
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of spreading “alarm, fear, panic, or anxiety” on social media can face fines and imprisonment. The penalties are not limited to the original authors of the content but also extend to “intellectual authors, necessary collaborators, accomplices, or any other person who facilitates the commission of these crimes,” regardless of their nationality [[2]].
Escalating Repression
The Ortega government has been cracking down on opposition and dissent since 2018, when protests erupted across the country, resulting in the deaths of over 300 people in just three months [[3]]. Since then, thousands of Nicaraguans have fled into exile, and hundreds have been expelled, with their property confiscated. The government has also forced the closure of over 5,500 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and confiscated their assets [[4]].
Penal Code Reform
The new law is part of a broader effort to reform the penal code, which now imposes sentences of up to 30 years in prison and confiscation of property for “crimes against the Nicaraguan State.” This has raised concerns about the erosion of human rights and the silencing of political opponents.
International Condemnation
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the Nicaraguan government’s human rights record, citing systematic violations and repression of opposition voices [[5]]. The international community must continue to pressure the Nicaraguan government to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Conclusion
Nicaragua’s new law is a disturbing development in the country’s ongoing human rights crisis. By criminalizing free speech and dissent, the government is further entrenching its authoritarian grip on power. It is essential that the international community continues to raise its voice against this abuse of human rights and supports independent journalism and opposition voices in Nicaragua.
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