The
Gambia government has abandoned the law on criminal defamation and false
publication on the Internet.
The
government made the concession recently at the Supreme Court in a lawsuit
against them filed by the Gambia Press Union.
The
GPU, in 2015, filed a civil suit against The Gambia government for the repeal
of sedition and false publication laws.
The
concession was just on criminal defamation and false publication on the
Internet.
However,
the Justice Minister said they are contesting false publication and
broadcasting.
In
2013, the then Information Minister Nana Grey-Johnson led efforts to amend the
Information and Communications Act to introduce a 15-year prison term and a
fine of D3 million ($70,000) for anyone convicted of using the internet to
spread false news, make derogatory statements, incite dissatisfaction, or
instigate violence against the government or public officials.
