"Libya's ruling National Transitional Council has criminalised the glorification of slain leader Moamar Gaddafi and his regime. The ruling body has introduced a raft of new laws ahead of elections in June, the first since Gaddafi was deposed last year. "Praising or glorifying Moamar Gaddafi, his regime, his ideas or his sons... is punishable by a prison sentence," a judicial official says the law reads. "If those news reports, rumours or propaganda cause any damage to the state the penalty will be life in prison. "In conditions of war, there is a prison sentence for any person who spreads information and rumours which disrupt military preparations for the defence of the country, spread terror or weaken the citizens' morale."
According to the law, Libya is still in a state of war after the 2011 conflict which pitted Gaddafi loyalists against NATO-backed rebel forces. Other laws also governing the transition stipulate prison sentences for anyone who "attacks the February 17 revolution, denigrates Islam, the authority of the state or its institutions" and the confiscation of all property and funds belonging to figures of the previous regime." But the new law permits, nay requires, glorification of NATO. (thanks Eric)
According to the law, Libya is still in a state of war after the 2011 conflict which pitted Gaddafi loyalists against NATO-backed rebel forces. Other laws also governing the transition stipulate prison sentences for anyone who "attacks the February 17 revolution, denigrates Islam, the authority of the state or its institutions" and the confiscation of all property and funds belonging to figures of the previous regime." But the new law permits, nay requires, glorification of NATO. (thanks Eric)
