El rufai new law

You're referring to the new law introduced by Nasir el-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria. Here's a brief overview:

The Kaduna State Hate Speech Prohibition Law

On May 27, 2017, Governor el-Rufai signed the Kaduna State Hate Speech Prohibition Law, which aims to curb hate speech and promote peaceful coexistence in the state. The law makes it an offense to make any statement or broadcast that is likely to incite hatred or promote violence against any individual or group based on their ethnicity, religion, or any other factor.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Hate Speech: The law defines hate speech as any statement, broadcast, or communication that is likely to incite hatred, violence, or discrimination against any individual or group based on their ethnicity, religion, or any other factor.
  2. Penalties: The law provides for penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for individuals or organizations found guilty of hate speech. The penalties include:
    • A fine of N10 million (approximately $27,000 USD) for individuals and N50 million (approximately $135,000 USD) for organizations.
    • Imprisonment for a term of up to five years for individuals and up to 10 years for organizations.
  3. Broadcasting Regulation: The law requires broadcasters to ensure that their content is not likely to incite hatred or promote violence. Broadcasters who fail to comply with this provision may have their licenses revoked.
  4. Offenses: The law lists several offenses related to hate speech, including:
    • Making a statement that is likely to incite hatred or violence against any individual or group.
    • Broadcasting or publishing any statement that is likely to incite hatred or violence.
    • Promoting or supporting any individual or group that engages in hate speech.

Controversy and Criticism

The law has been criticized by some as a violation of freedom of speech and expression, and as a tool for the government to suppress dissenting voices. Human rights organizations and some civil society groups have expressed concerns that the law may be used to silence critics of the government or to target specific groups or individuals.

Impact

The law has had a significant impact on the media landscape in Kaduna State, with some broadcasters and journalists self-censoring their content to avoid running afoul of the law. The law has also led to increased scrutiny of online content, with some social media platforms and online forums being monitored for hate speech.

Overall, the Kaduna State Hate Speech Prohibition Law is a controversial measure that aims to promote peaceful coexistence in the state. While its intentions are laudable, its implementation and enforcement have raised concerns about the balance between freedom of speech and the need to prevent hate speech.