Expressing opinions by infringing upon the reputations of others is not something permitted by the Constitution, Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated today.
In a video released by the Attorney General's Office, the Attorney General stated that rights and responsibilities are two sides of the same coin, and one side cannot be utilized without the other. Usham noted that Article 67 of the Constitution very clearly specifies that the rights granted to every person and the duties that person must fulfill are two inseparable principles.
The Attorney General stated that there are things every person must do and respect when acquiring rights, and among them are honoring the Constitution, protecting state property and the environment, and safeguarding and respecting the rights of others, which are also matters specified in the Constitution.
Usham stated that engaging in unlawful acts and infringing upon the reputations of others while exercising freedom of expression are not things permitted by the Constitution.
"Every person is granted the right to travel by the Constitution. However, in acquiring that freedom, one must also respect and be mindful of the rights of others. One must be responsible in using public places. Ensuring that traveling does not pose a danger to others are things that must be ascertained," Usham stated.
"Similarly, although protesting is a right granted by the Constitution, that right must be exercised peacefully and with respect for the laws."
According to Usham, the reality that must be accepted is that a strong democratic system will not be established solely on the basis of rights. He stated that everyone using their rights responsibly and fulfilling the duties they owe to one another are also matters required to complete a democratic system.
As Usham highlighted this, the government has submitted a bill to the People's Majlis to make defamation a civil offense.
According to that bill, defamation will be considered as such when a statement made or information published is a falsehood, and it results in a diminution of another's dignity and reputation. This includes speaking, writing and publishing, drawing cartoons/pictures, broadcasting, and stories spread through the internet.
The bill stated that in addition to material damage caused as a result of defamation, compensation for non-material damage can be claimed through court. As per the bill currently, the maximum compensation that can be awarded for non-material damage is MVR 500,000. Penalties will be determined between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000.
