RAMALLAH, May 21, 2018 (WAFA) – The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) welcomed in a statement on Monday the amendments the government introduced to the recent electronic crimes law.
“Following the issuance of Law No. 10 of 2018 regarding electronic crimes issued on April 29, 2018 and as published in the official Gazette issue number 16 on May 3, 2018, the ICHR welcomes the response of the government to an important part of the recommendations and observations raised by the Commission, the Journalists Syndicate and civil society organizations regarding the Electronic Crimes Law No. 16 of 2017,” said ICHR.
The amendments, it said, repealed the general and broad provisions of the new law and shortened criminal penalties, which was one of the main objections of the ICHR and civil society over the new law.
The Commission, nevertheless, still has a number of reservations regarding the electronic crimes law, noting “the need to continue dialogue on additional amendments in line with respect for the right to privacy and the inviolability of private life and to guarantee the freedom of opinion and expression in a way that enhances the rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens in accordance with the Basic Law and the obligations of the State of Palestine at the international level,” said the statement.
The Commission had previously expressed its deep concern at the law when it was issued in July 2017 because of what it said were the provisions that constitute a violation and a real and serious threat to the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to privacy.
The Commission also noted many violations that resulted from the issuance of the law such as arresting, summoning and prosecuting journalists, activists and citizens on the basis of expressing opinions or against the background of journalistic work.
ICHR said that while it welcomes the government‘s response to many of its recommendations, there are still some issues of concern to the Commission that need to be addressed, mainly regarding privacy and freedom of opinion and expression.
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