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DPA
Cairo
People in Egypt who spread “false news and rumours” on social media about the novel coronavirus could face imprisonment and a hefty fine, the prosecutor general’s office said on Saturday. A statement said those who deliberately spread false news, rumours or fake documents that could “disrupt public order” or “cause panic” will be punished by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 pounds (1,273 dollars), or one of the two penalties.
Egyptians who purposely publish false news or rumours abroad about the country’s domestic situation that could “weaken its financial standing or prestige” would be punished by up to five years in prison, the statement added.
“The public prosecution will stand against such false news and rumours ... and will not hesitate to enforce the law,” it said. Egyptian authorities imposed a two-week curfew starting on Wednesday in an effort to control the spread of the virus. Schools, universities, cinemas, theatres, mosques and churches have closed and staffing at government offices has been reduced.
Cairo
People in Egypt who spread “false news and rumours” on social media about the novel coronavirus could face imprisonment and a hefty fine, the prosecutor general’s office said on Saturday. A statement said those who deliberately spread false news, rumours or fake documents that could “disrupt public order” or “cause panic” will be punished by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 pounds (1,273 dollars), or one of the two penalties.
Egyptians who purposely publish false news or rumours abroad about the country’s domestic situation that could “weaken its financial standing or prestige” would be punished by up to five years in prison, the statement added.
“The public prosecution will stand against such false news and rumours ... and will not hesitate to enforce the law,” it said. Egyptian authorities imposed a two-week curfew starting on Wednesday in an effort to control the spread of the virus. Schools, universities, cinemas, theatres, mosques and churches have closed and staffing at government offices has been reduced.
