Ethiopia passes contested ‘hate speech’ law

Ethiopian men reading newspapers and drink coffee at a cafe during a declared state of emergency and Internet shutdown in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopian lawmakers on Feb 13, 2020 approved a controversial law aimed at curbing hate speech and disinformation just months ahead of a major election but some worry the new law will restrict freedom of expression in a country that once jailed thousands of people, including journalists, over political views. — AP

ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia on Feb 13 passed a law punishing "hate speech" and "disinformation" with hefty fines and long jail terms, despite fears by rights groups it undermines gains in free speech.

Nearly 300 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, with 23 votes against and two abstentions.