United Nations Radio

The United Nations independent expert on freedom of opinion and expression has welcomed the decriminalization of defamation in the Maldives.

Frank La Rue

Frank La Rue says the adoption of a Bill by the Parliament of the Maldives on the 23rd of November to remove the provisions in the Penal Code, which criminalize defamation is a positive step.

The Bill abolishes articles of the Penal Code which deal with defamation of a person's "name, integrity, or dignity," which carried a sentence of exile, house detention or a fine.

Mr. La Rue notes that this is one of the recommendations he made following his official visit to the Maldives in March this year.

The expert urges all states, which have not already done so, to repeal criminal defamation laws in favour of civil laws.

He stresses that any provisions that allow public officials to bring defamation suits with regard to their actions in public office should be totally eliminated.

Bissera Kostova, United Nations
(duration: 59" )