Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, approved the nomination of two new ambassadors and endorsed a National Procedure Policy for the reporting and monitoring of human rights during a meeting in Mogadishu on Thursday.
The Seychelles National Assembly on Wednesday approved an amendment to the Penal Code that addresses hate-motivated offences by introducing the element of hate as an aggravating factor to any underlying offences. Eighteen members of the National Assembly voted for and eight voted against the amendment to the Penal Code presented by Vice President, Ahmed Afif. «Hate is a very strong feeling that we have for a person, a group of persons, or even a concept, which normally makes one want to harm another person,» said Afif, who added that hate «can be manifested in various ways either individually, in groups or even institutionally through laws that discriminate against certain groups of people». He added, «We are bringing in the element of hate speech as we have observed an increase of people being targeted due to the protected characteristics.» The Vice President said, «The amendment will protect vulnerable groups in society from acts of discrimination, violence and intimidation.» The gazetted Amendment Bill states that «the inclusion of hate as an aggravating factor aims to enhance the severity of penalties when committed due to bias or prejudice, based on the protected characteristics such as race, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, political affiliation and HIV/AIDS status.» Afif said, «We want to introduce hate crime to prevent people being harmed in any way, especially if it causes physical damage due to the accused hating the victim for their specific characteristics.» He explained that the authorities want to send a clear message to society that «we cannot target an individual for things that they were born with, life events that have affected them or that they have chosen to live their lives differently from what we consider as the norm.» The courts will now be able to punish an accused further if it is proven that the offence committed against a victim was done due to their protected characteristics. However, the prosecution will have to provide sufficient evidence to prove that there was hate in the offence. An example provided to the National Assembly was that if a fight breaks out between two people and during the incident, one of the individuals uses what is deemed as hate speech, despite the fight breaking out for another reason the assault will be deemed a hate crime. The inclusion of hate speech as an offence within the Penal Code (Cap. 158) provides for the intention to incite hatred towards a person or group of persons based on their protected characteristics, through various forms of communication or behaviour, if the expression is perceived to be threatening, abusive or insulting. Similar laws already exist in the Penal Code namely, Seditious Offences under sections 54 and 55 as well as Incitement to cause violence under Section 89 (a). Afif said, «Any communication or propaganda made in writing, in speeches or other forms in public or electronic media, published and distributed materials or even through behaviour is considered as an incitement.» The accused intentions and the impact of the actions as well as the society's norms will be taken into consideration. There will be exceptions to the offence, such as an individual will not be charged through performances of artistic expressions made in good faith, and not aimed at inciting any harm. Other exceptions include an academic investigation, reports, commentaries, public notice announcements and the use of such materials in criminal investigations. Under the proposed amendment, if found guilty of hate crimes as a first offence, the offender will be fined up to SCR50,000 ($3,600), a prison term of not more than two years or both. Should they recommit the crime, they will be fined not more than SCR125,000 ($8,600), a prison term of not more than three years, or both. Afif reassured the public that the new amendments would not violate their rights. Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (ARID) - categorically against the law ARID issued a statement on September 18 that it opposed the change to the Penal Code «as it is a direct infringement on freedom of expression.» «Any move to restrict such right goes against the core principles of democracy,» said ARID. ARID is against any form of speech that directly attacks the character of an individual, we believe that citizens must NOT use the right to free speech to cause provocation, to use insulting and demeaning remarks or promote discrimination, hostility and violence against another. Politicians must NOT use their power to institute regulations or amendments to protect themselves, a political figure must be prepared to be ostracised or disliked, they cannot expect the same privacy like an ordinary citizen. [...] We do not have a history of conflicts between communities do not have issues of ethnicity, religion, other social disputes, so why do we need law against hate speech?,« said ARID. The non-governmental organisation questioned what guarantee that the government, current or future, will not use such amendments to the law to curtail freedom of speech and asserted that citizens must be able to question the decisions of politicians, they should have a 'thick skin' to accept criticism no matter how 'blunt' or explicit it may be, as »free speech allows for people to exposure the incompetence and malfeasance of government officials or question the decisions of those in power," provided it is not inciting anyone to commit violent or unlawful acts.
[allAfrica] The choice is clear, and the time to act is now: Trust, empower, and follow the lead of the communities we serve.
Women have become the driving force of development in India, Dharitri Patnaik told RT at the Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg Read Full Article at RT.com
Opposition political parties and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) were—on Wednesday in Mponela, Dowa—involved in tug-of-war over the voter registration process and it was clear that the opposition is not confident and comfortable with how NRB is registering people that expected to vote in next years’ polls. At the heart of the matter is the […] The post Opposition parties on the neck of NRB on voter registration: Demands NRB involves NEC in its process appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
The recent Financial Stability Report published by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has revealed that the local unit, kwacha, fell by an average 2.3 percent against other major foreign currencies in the first six months of 2024. According to the report, during the period under review, the Kwacha depreciated by 3.12 percent against the […] The post Kwacha itipha! More economic pains as Kwacha falls by 2.3% against foreign currencies appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
All roads, this Saturday, lead to Civo Stadium in Lilongwe where celebrated musician Gwamba is holding his Best of Gwamba Concert with two South African artists Focalistic and Kamo Mphela confirmed to jet into the country on September 21. The concert has been organised by rapper Gwamba as part of celebrating his 15th anniversary. Apart […] The post Kuli fumbi! Best of Gwamba Concert on this Saturday as two international artist confirm coming appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has issued a passionate call for Malawian producers to uphold quality in their products, emphasizing that this is essential for achieving premium market prices. Dr. Usi made this appeal in Kasungu on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, during his tour of the BOMFA Farmers Cooperative. BOMFA, a beneficiary of NEEF loans, […] The post Usi visits NEEF loan beneficiary: Impressed with its success, calls on Malawi producers to uphold quality appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
Malawi Government has unveiled ambitious plans of harvesting 700 metric tonnes of fish annually by 2063. Director of Fisheries in the Ministry of Natural Resources Dr Hastings Zidana said this in Lilongwe during the Refresh Malawi dissemination meeting. Dr Zidana called for a joint effort in order to achieve the plans by 2063. […] The post More fish, more money, good health: Govt unveils plans to harvest 700 Mt of fish annually appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is currently distributing six containers of rice that were previously reported as an alleged unauthorised purchase by the Vanuatu Daily Post newspaper.
Chief Magistrate Anna Laloyer has transferred the Preliminary Inquiry Case No. 604 of 2024, involving Member of Parliament (MP) for Ambae Constituency Jay Ngwele, to the Supreme Court.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has arrived in Vanuatu yesterday.
The official opening and handing over of the newly redeveloped Cook Barracks took place today, a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Vanuatu and Australia.
Ukraine was reportedly forced to scrap a planned meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and Latin American leaders Read Full Article at RT.com
Venezuela has announced that it is seeking an arrest warrant for Argentine President Javier Milei Read Full Article at RT.com
The explosion of electronic devices across Lebanon is an indescribable crime, Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said Read Full Article at RT.com
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris could meet Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky next week as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly session Read Full Article at RT.com
The New York Times has revealed new details about the apparent Israeli operation to use pager bombs against Hezbollah Read Full Article at RT.com
Libreville, le 19 septembre 2024. À l'occasion d'une opération conjointe menée par la Direction de Lutte Contre le Braconnage et la Police Judiciaire de Libreville, appuyés par l'ONG Conservation Justice, un trafiquant d'ivoire de nationalité gabonaise a été interpellé le 13 septembre 2024 à Libreville en possession de six pointes d'ivoire sectionnées en plusieurs morceaux. Chauffeur de poids lourd dans une société de BTP de la place, le dénommé E.B.F, âgé de 29 ans, a été arrêté en (...) - SOCIETE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON
[New Times] Rwandan experts and activists against genocide have reacted to the move by DR Congo to host six convicts of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who have for years been in Niger after serving their sentences.
[Africom] Stuttgart, Germany -- Military Logistics professionals from 13 African nations and organizations and the United States attend
[Vanguard] The release of water from Cameroon's Lagdo Dam has been a major concern in Nigeria for years, as it directly impacts states along the River Benue.
The internet is filled with videos of dogs using soundboards to communicate with their humans — but have they just been trained on which buttons to push? A new study suggests dogs can understand the meaning behind specific words and respond appropriately.
A cinnamon teal that's rarely seen in Ontario has been spotted in a Grimsby, Ont., wetland. Local birders estimate over 200 people have come to see the small duck, which is being treated as a celebrity of sorts.
The number of irregular entries into the U.S. from Canada has exploded in recent months. Radio-Canada has found multiple TikTok accounts selling the promise of safe passage through the border for Indian temporary residents in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.
A group of women's hockey players in Kenora, Ont., are threatening to take the city to court over its ice allocation policy — arguing they're facing gender-based discrimination. The women say the 10 p.m. start times are too late when they are disproportionately burdened with household chores and child-minding duties compared to their male counterparts.
Carl Cooper, 66, was jailed for life in July for the murders of Naomi Hunte, 41, who was stabbed in the chest, and Fiona Holm, 48, whose body has never been found.
To those not involved in high fashion, the new Disney+ blockbuster series, In Vogue: The 90s, offers an enjoyable dollop of behind-the-scenes glamour and revelations.
Top UK surgeons have performed an astonishing, gruelling operation to separate one year-old conjoined twins who were attached at the head.
A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - carried out the attacks during his time in charge of the elite outlet.