Criminal cases opened for spreading disinformation about Covid-19

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Buenos Aires Times

ARGENTINA | TODAY 08:00

At least 12 criminal cases have been opened against a number of individuals accused of "public intimidation," a crime which can result in up to six years in prison.

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There are over 2,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Argentina, with over 120 deaths.



THERE ARE OVER 2,600 CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN ARGENTINA, WITH OVER 120 DEATHS. | AP/NATACHA PISARENKO

There is zero tolerance for fake news about the novel coronavirus pandemic in Argentina – at least a dozen criminal cases have been filed in courtrooms since the quarantine became compulsory on March 20, even though an extended court holiday forms part of the lockdown.

These cases are the tip of an iceberg, however. Horacio Azzolín, who heads the Cybercrime Specialised Prosecutor's Unit (UFECI) of the Public Prosecutor's Office, has reported around 500 denunciations of malicious misinformation over the past month.

This crime is defined as “public intimidation” and can result in prison sentences of up to six years.

"What we did was simply adjust penal law on persecution to a current situation,” Azzolín told AFP.

Read more: https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/open-criminal-cases-for-disinformation-about-covid-19-in-argentina.phtml

[BComplex]

1. I wish we had that law.

We could get rid of fox "news" permanently.

[scarletwoman]

2. I second that wish. (nt)

[Harker]

8. And lop off the head of the republican't party. n/t

[sandensea]

3. Since the March 20 stay-home order was issued, Argentina's right-wingers have been on overdrive

For two main reasons: their big business backers are, for the most part, staunchly opposed to stay-at-home for obvious reasons;

And RW politicians themselves hate the fact the President Alberto Fernández's handling of this Covid crisis has an 80-88% approval in poll after poll.

Predictably enough, they're falling back on their 2015 campaign playbook: deliberate misinformation and mudslinging - although, of course, this time they're risking people's lives by encouraging voters to violate the stay-home order.

As one center-left anchor recently put it (Gustavo Sylvestre, whose Minuto Uno evening news has enjoyed the highest ratings in Argentina for over two years now):

"The idea seems to be: pin the economic hardship this crisis is causing on Alberto Fernández - and if he relents on the stay-home order, pin him with the wave of deaths doing so would provoke."

Thank you for posting this, Judy. Definitely the kind of action state Attorneys General should consider here in the U.S. (since we know Jabba-the-Barr would never).

[Judi Lynn]

6. So glad Gustavo Sylvestre spelled it out! They want to get him both ways! Thank you, sandensea. n/t

[certainot]

4. 1500 radio stations are still lying after calling it a hoax for 2 months and all their advertisers

and associated ad agencies and universities and pro sports programs that support many of those stations need to get hell for contributing to the death

the free speech org - freespeech.net recently filed a petition with the FCC to investigate misinformation and have limbaugh and mark levin examples

[turbinetree]

5. Thank you Judy M..................for the posting

[Judi Lynn]

7. Argentina is so lucky to have elected this new President. Thanks, turbinetree. n/t

[CRK7376]

9. How about investigating

Trump and Pence for spreading falsehoods?!?

[sandensea]

10. They're above the law.

Don'tchaknow.