The Minister of Information , Communication and Information Infrastructure , Hon Nana Grey Johnson , on Wednesday, 3rd July, introduced the Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill 2013, prescribing Internet related offences for the National Assembly members to consider and pass.
The Bill states among other things that, "A person who commits an offence under sub-section (1) of section 173A, is liable on conviction to a fine of three million Dalasi or imprisonment for fifteen years or to both the fine and imprisonment." Section 173A. Internet related offences, Subsection (1) reads: "A person commits an offence if he or she uses the internet to- (a) Spread false news against the Government or public officials; (b) Incite dissatisfaction or instigate violence against the Government or public officials; or (c) Caricature, abuse or make derogatory statements against the person or character of public officials; (d) Impersonate any public official; (e) Blackmail any person; or (f) Threaten to commit a criminal offence against any person. Subsection (2) states that "A person who commits an offence under sub-section (1) is liable on conviction to a fine of three million Dalasi or imprisonment for fifteen years or to both the fine and imprisonment. Subsection (3) of the amendment states:
"This section shall apply to all persons without regard to the place from which the offence was committed". In tabling the amendment Bill before the deputies, Mr. Grey Johnson, the Minister of Information, Communication and Information Infrastructure stated in the objects and reasons for the bill that in the recent past, some citizens of The Gambia have waged concerted efforts to pit the people and the security officials of The Gambia against their Government. He said they do this by inciting the people to engage in unpatriotic behaviour, spreading false news and engaging in criminal defamation against Government officials. Minister Grey Johnson added that such tendencies, if unchecked, are a recipe for chaos and instability in any country.
Therefore, he said, this Bill seeks to provide for the deterrent punishment of such persons who are engaged in such treacherous campaigns against The Gambia both internally and outside The Gambia. The National Assembly members passed the bill. It is now waiting for Presidential assent to become law.
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