Defamation now a criminal offence in Maldives

Q.  Which country has made defamation a criminal offence after initially terming it a civil infraction?
- Published on 16 Aug 16

a. Maldives
b. Mauritius
c. Malaysia
d. Myanmar

ANSWER: Maldives
 
Maldives President Abdulla Yameen on 11th August gave his deal of approval to the controversial defamation bill.
  • Earlier, the Maldives Parliament had adopted the Bill on Defamation and Freedom of Speech with 47 members voting in favour and 31 against it.
  • As per the law, defamation is a criminal offence.
  • In November 2009, when Mohammad Nasheed was President, it was made a civil infraction.
  • Government also said it would provide a layer of protection for those undergoing defamation.

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