President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government has introduced a bill to the parliament that redefines defamation as a civil offence.
Speaking at his 10th press briefing this year, President Muizzu said that MP for Villimale Constituency, Mohamed Ismail, would submit the bill to Parliament. Parliament is expected to hear the first reading of the bill today.
The President said that Islamic Shariah strongly enshrines the protection of reputation, such as revenge, property, and blood.
He also reminded the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that a true Muslim saves other Muslims from the evil of his tongue and hands.
Explaining the defamation bill, the President said it is an offense to intentionally or recklessly make a false statement and give false information about a particular person.
The bill will define defamation as spreading lies that defame a person, whether by speech, writing, drawing, photograph or image, and through television, radio or the Internet.
The President said that the bill will also provide action against all such acts that create hatred against the person in society.
