Honduras lawmakers debate bill seeking to curb online speech
Honduras lawmakers debate bill seeking to curb online
speech
By Noe LEIVA AFP • February 12, 2018
Tegucigalpa (AFP) - Lawmakers in Honduras are debating a
bill that wants to fine administrators of social media networks for online
comments deemed offensive or promoting "hate campaigns."
The measure was introduced by a member of the ruling
National Party as the country is wracked by protests claiming President Juan
Orlando Hernandez won a new mandate through a rigged November election.
Much of the vitriol against Hernandez and the National
Party is being expressed in social media. The opposition and other groups are
also using online forums to organize the anti-government protests.
The bill calls for fines of up to $43,000 against those
running websites or social networks on which text encouraging "hate and
discrimination" are posted.
Civil society groups say the move is an attempt to curb
free speech and quash legitimate protests.
The Association of Communication Media in Honduras said
the bill undermines basic rights and called on the country's congress to
suspend the debate.
The national journalists' association warned the bill
would pave the way for "manipulation" by certain interests and strike
a blow to citizens' rights to express themselves freely.
Hernandez, a conservative who has the backing of the
United States, was declared the victor of the November 26 election despite
observers from the Organization of American States listing irregularities in
the polling.
The leftwing opposition asserts that Hernandez stole the
election from its candidate, Salvador Nasralla, and was not legitimately
re-elected. It is persisting with protests that have been met by police action.
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