Azeri parliament toughens penalties for defamation

The Azerbaijani parliament has approved a bill criminalizing defamation of the country's president on the Internet and offensive online activities under fake names or profiles, Turan news website reported on 29 November.


According to the amendment made to the Article 323 of the Criminal Code, individuals insulting the honour and dignity of the president using fake profiles, accounts and nicknames will be fined from 1,000 to 1,500 manats, or be jailed up to three years.


Under another amendment to Article 148-1, users engaged in offensive online activities using fake names or profiles will be penalized from 1,000 up to 1,5000 manats, or be sentenced to 360-480 hours of community service, or two years of correctional labour or one year in prison.


Turan added that "the amendments have been criticized by representatives of the democratic community and international organizations. Opponents pointed out that while the government earlier pledged to abolish criminal penalties for defamation in general, now is expanding the scope of this legislation".

www.ann.az