During the recent heavy rains some individuals “behaved
irresponsibly” on social networking sites, sharing photos and videos
of accidents that occurred during the rainy days, “creating panic”
among the public. “Increasing confusion” in society, they ignored
the “great initiatives” by the authorized departments
and the “heroic efforts” by police and civil defense teams.
“Some people” shared videos and images of the weather in a manner
that “harms the country’s reputation” and “disrupts public peace.”
The Ministry warned the public of “promoting rumors” via social media
and cautioned them with “legal consequences.” The State appealed to the public
to follow “competent departments” for the “correct information.”
“Spreading rumors” by posting “negative images and videos of rains”
is punishable and affects the “reputation of the country” and the efforts
made by the State in saving and protecting life and property.
“Spreading rumors,” deliberately broadcasting “false
or malicious data” or “any news” that harms
“public interest” is a “criminal offence.”
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Nicholas Karavatos taught creative writing from 2006 through 2017 at American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. In spring 2018, he was an US Ambassador’s Distinguished Scholar to Ethiopia.
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