Africa, BREAKING NEWS
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The United States of America-based Freedom House commends Kenyan High Court for overturning restrictions on social media and telecommunications usage in Kenya
THE Freedom House has applauded the Kenyan High Court for finding unconstitutional a section of the Kenya Information and Communication Act, KICA, used by authorities to charge social media users and bloggers with “misuse” of telecommunications.
A statement released by the Freedom House in Washington, United States of America, and made available to Realnews on April 20, stated: “Freedom House applauds the High Court for safeguarding the right to freedom of expression enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution” said Vukasin Petrovic, director for Africa programmes. “The court’s ruling is a significant victory for all Kenyans and demonstrates the pivotal role of the Kenyan judiciary in protecting constitutionally guaranteed liberties.”
The Kenya Information and Communication Act, KICA, was enacted in 2013. Section 29 of KICA said anyone using telecommunications to send a message “that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character,” or known to be false was liable to being fined and imprisoned for up to three months. The petition challenging the section’s constitutionality was filed by a social media user after he was charged under the provision.
Kenya is rated partly free in Freedom in the World 2016, Free in Freedom on the Net 2015, and Partly Free in Freedom of the Press 2015.
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organisation that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.
— Apr 20, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT
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