A Tiny Nation Gives a Huge Example
The Maldives on Monday, Nov. 23, has given 90 percent of the world's nations a lesson to follow.
The Maldives Coat of Arms
The small archipelago on the Indian Ocean, just south of the Indian Peninsula, decriminalized defamation laws, a crucial step toward full democracy that only 10 percent of the planet's countries have had the courage to take.
The Maldivian Parliament, by a vote of 34 in favor and seven against, approved a presidential bill abolishing five articles of the criminal code that used to punish defamation infractions with fines and incarceration.
The Parliament also provided civil remedies to defamation cases, thus removing a Damocles sword that used to dangle on top that country's journalists intent on fulfilling their duty to keep the public informed.
If you are about to give thanks for the blessings received this year, please keep the Maldives in mind.
The Maldives Coat of Arms
The small archipelago on the Indian Ocean, just south of the Indian Peninsula, decriminalized defamation laws, a crucial step toward full democracy that only 10 percent of the planet's countries have had the courage to take.
The Maldivian Parliament, by a vote of 34 in favor and seven against, approved a presidential bill abolishing five articles of the criminal code that used to punish defamation infractions with fines and incarceration.
The Parliament also provided civil remedies to defamation cases, thus removing a Damocles sword that used to dangle on top that country's journalists intent on fulfilling their duty to keep the public informed.
If you are about to give thanks for the blessings received this year, please keep the Maldives in mind.
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