With the new law, people who allegedly spread information on social media that causes panic or fear can face up to five years in prison.
In Central America, Nicaragua’s parliament passed a law on Wednesday that says people who spread information on social media that allegedly causes panic or fear could face up to five years in prison. According to critics of the law, it is intended to be used to punish opponents of the government.
The opposition media call the law a “mouthpiece”. It is an update to an anti-cybercrime law passed in 2020 that saw many opponents of the administration arrested and charged with spreading fake news.
A day earlier, the country passed a law that allows those convicted of “crimes against the state” to be transported to prison. According to the UN, the law could worsen the persecution and oppression faced by Nicaraguans.
The country’s parliament is largely loyal to the autocratic president For Daniel Ortegawhose administration has been accused of persecuting the opposition. Ortega’s regime is on the US and EU sanctions list.