Bloggers face 14 years for making 'derogatory comments about Islam' on social media
Four bloggers have been charged and face up to 14 years in jail for making “derogatory comments about Islam” on social media, contrary to India’s Information and Communications Technology Act, 2006.
The four face 14 years imprisonment
The four have pled not guilty and face trial in November.
The offences are normally subject to a maximum jail term of ten years, but it has been reported that India’s cabinet has approved an ordinance proposing that the maximum jail term for an offence covered by the law be increased to 14 years.
The accused face charges under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on suspicion of making derogatory comments about Islam.
“The Detective Branch of police pressed charges against the four on April 17, accusing them of hurting religious sentiments by the contents posted on Facebook and different blogs,” India’s Daily Star reported.