Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report اظہارِ رائے کی آزادی محدود، پیکا میں ترامیم سے میڈیا کو شدید دھچکا: رپورٹDawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric ڈان کی بھارتی میڈیا سے جنگی بیانیہ ترک کرنے کی اپیلIndia bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack پہلگام حملے کے بعد بھارت نے پاکستان کے 16 یوٹیوب چینلز پر پابندی لگا دی'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings ان اے ڈیفرنٹ ریلم کرکٹ کی عظیم ترین اننگز پر ایک فکری نقطۂ نظر پیش کرتی ہےCoordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows ہم آہنگی یا محض اتفاق؟ پاکستانی صحافیوں کے ایک جیسے ٹویٹس نے سوالات اٹھا دیےThe PSL paradox: pageantry or progress? پی ایس ایل کا تضاد: دکھاوا یا ترقی؟Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion پی ٹی آئی سے نکالے جانے کے بعد شیر افضل مروت کے صحافیوں پر ذاتی حملےJournalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families صحافی ثناء اللہ خان کا انکشاف: ایف آئی اے یوٹیوبرز اور ان کے خاندانوں کے اکاؤنٹس بلاک کر رہی ہےA launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm' ان اے ڈفرنٹ ریلم کی رونمائی: ڈاکٹر نعمان نیاز کی کتاب Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning سندھی صحافی اے ڈی شر کا بہیمانہ قتل، پی ایف یو جے نے تین روزہ سوگ کا اعلان کر دیاAJK government registers case against newspaper and staff آزاد کشمیر حکومت کا اخبار اور عملے کے خلاف مقدمہJournalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting صحافی آرزو کاظمی کا دعویٰ: ایف آئی اے کی دھمکیاں، رپورٹنگ پر ممکنہ گرفتاری

Niger reintroduces prison sentences for cyber offenses

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published June 21, 2024

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Niger reintroduces prison sentences for cyber offenses

NIAMEY—The President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and Head of State of Niger, Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani (pictured), signed an ordinance reinstating prison sentences for offenses committed via electronic communication. This marks a reversal from previous legislation that had replaced imprisonment with fines for such offenses.

The new ordinance imposes both imprisonment and fines for crimes committed through electronic communication. For defamation or insults, offenders can face one to three years in prison and fines ranging from one to five million CFA francs. For the dissemination of disruptive data or data infringing on human dignity, the penalties range from two to five years in prison and fines between two and five million CFA francs.

The amendment, introduced by ordinance on June 7, 2024, aims to strengthen the fight against cybercrime in Niger by reintroducing prison sentences for defamation, insults, and the dissemination of data likely to disturb public order or infringe on human dignity when committed via electronic communication.

In 2022, law No. 2022-30 amended previous legislation, replacing prison sentences with fines for these offenses. Despite widespread opposition from Nigeriens, this amendment was adopted by the dissolved National Assembly. Since then, social media has seen a proliferation of defamatory, insulting, and disruptive comments, exacerbating public order disturbances and infringing on human dignity, according to the press release.

The new ordinance now mandates imprisonment of one to three years and fines of one to five million CFA francs for those convicted of defamation or insults via electronic communication. Additionally, it imposes prison terms of two to five years and fines of two to five million CFA francs for disseminating data likely to disturb public order or infringe on human dignity.

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists said the Nigerien authorities must decriminalize defamation and ensure that the country’s cybercrime law does not unduly restrict the work of the media.

"The changes to Niger's cybercrime law are a blow to the media community and a very disappointing step backwards for freedom of expression," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, Muthoki Mumo, in Nairobi. "It is not too late to change course by reforming the law to ensure that it cannot be used to stifle journalism."

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Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

 April 30, 2025 Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

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India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

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