Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro

Human rights groups have raised concerns over a media law passed earlier this month in Venezuela that they say could stifle freedom of expression and criminalise social-media users opposed to President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

The Venezuelan government passed a law that prohibits anyone from sharing content that “promotes fascism, intolerance or hate … on social media or digital platforms”, under penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

The Venezuelan assembly approved the legislation, which is officially known as the “Law against hate, for peaceful coexistence and tolerance”, on November 9.

The law also stipulates that broadcast media outlets are “obligated” to play state messages “promoting peace, tolerance, equality and respect” for up to 30 minutes each week.

(AL JAZEERA)