In Côte d’Ivoire, the National Assembly adopted a text on Thursday, June 6, which concerns the repression of terrorism and money laundering. But it also includes conditions that spark controversy within the opposition.
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with our correspondent in Abidjan, Bineta Diagne
This bill amends the Penal Code to include additional penalties for certain offenses such as money laundering and terrorism. All deputies are unanimous on the importance of these subjects.
The text was adopted by a majority, by 124 deputies.
But 72 opposition MPs rejected it because it includes a paragraph which, in their eyes, hinders freedom of opinion. This is article 185, which targets a third person who would “ the apology of crimes (…) or which launches appeals to the public with the aim of disapproving the authority and provoking solidarity with one or more condemned “.
“ It’s excessive, it’s freedom of expression that is being called into question », indignant Hubert Oulaye, the president of the PPA-CI parliamentary group. “ This provision has been extended to acts of disturbance of public order and attacks on state security. », notes this political leader who, one year before the presidential election, sees it as a way of “ muzzle the opposition “.
“ This article has existed since 1981 » for his part, puts Abdoulaye Ben Meïté, RHDP deputy, into perspective. “ The article has been simplified, without the substance being modified “, he continues. This MP denounces an approach by the opposition, which according to him, “ refuses that politicians are concerned by this provision of the law “.
The text must still be adopted by the Senate and the opposition plans to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council.