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On January 14, the Verkhova Rada adopted the bill №11321, which, among other things, specifies the punishment process for the media for “not removing” negative comments about officials under the news.
According to the explanation by the Judicial-Legal Newspaper, the media are exempt from liability for negative comments from readers about officials if such comments are removed within 3 days of receiving a complaint or order from the National Council, or a court ruling on the matter.
Considering numerous decisions, officials categorize comments that may contain “false information that portrays them in a negative light.”
In a similar case, the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled that negative information is considered false if the person who disseminated it cannot prove otherwise. Therefore, the question arises whether the media should remove any reader comments alleging corruption or other negative characteristics of officials, published without evidence.
We remind you that in May, the Verkhovna Rada approved law №8329 (in connection with the ratification of the Istanbul Convention), which prescribes punishment for Ukrainians for sexual insults on the Internet. Such offenders will be fined an amount from 1360 to 2720 UAH, or be punished with community or correctional labor.