Spreading fake COVID-19 news is now a crime- Namibian Government

Spreading fake news about coronavirus is now a crime in Namibia.

This is following an amendment to the COVID-19 state of emergency regulations.

The Government published this amendment in its Gazette on Friday.

It read: "people publishing any false or misleading statement in connection with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including on social media, are committing an offence for which they can be fined up to N$2000 or be given a prison term of up to six months."

Also any statement in the media, including on social media, that is intended to deceive people about the COVID-19 status of someone or about measures to combat, prevent and suppress the coronavirus disease will get a fine of up to N$2 000 or up to six months' imprisonment.

The regulations also broaden the prohibition of trading in alcohol by forbidding the purchase of liquor, it at the same time now excludes drinks with an alcohol content of less than 2,5% by volume – such as light beer – from that prohibition.