National Assembly Approves Bill on Protection of National Symbols

The National Assembly approved on Tuesday, during a public session, chaired by the house speaker, a bill relating to the protection of national symbols and the criminalization of prejudice to the prestige of the State and the honor of the citizens.

The bill consists of eight articles that specify its purpose – without prejudice to provisions stipulated in other laws – to criminalize and punish acts committed deliberately through information and digital communication technologies and social media platforms. The bill incriminates all acts associated with violation of the principles and sanctity of the Islamic religion, the prestige of the state and its symbols, the national security, civil peace, social cohesion, personal life, and the honor of citizens.

The deputies stressed that the time has come for social media users to realize that there are limits and deterrent legal rules and that a difference exists between constructive criticism, demolition, slander, insult, and contempt. They affirmed that the bill responds to the urgent need for the protection for Stressing that the draft law responds to an urgent need for protecting the principles, the country’s symbols, the members of the armed forces, security forces while performing their duties, the personal lives of citizens and public officials.