> The upper limit of fines for insult and slander is being increased to AZN 1,500.
Steps are underway in Azerbaijan to raise the amounts of fines stipulated for defamation and insult. Accordingly, Articles 147 (slander) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code are being amended.
The fine currently provided for in Article 147 (slander, i.e. dissemination of obviously false information smearing the honour and dignity of another person or undermining his reputation in public statements, publicly exhibited work, mass media or internet information resource if demonstrated publicly) is between AZN 100-500. This amount is to rise to between AZN 1,000-1,500.
The vindicatory part of Article 148 (insult, i.e. deliberate humiliation of the honour and dignity of another person in an indecent form in public statements, publicly exhibited work, mass media or internet information resource if demonstrated publicly) currently stipulates a fine of between AZN 300-1,000. This amount is planned to be increased to between AZN 300-1,500.
The bill has been recommended for the plenary meeting of Milli Meclis (Parliament) and will be put up for discussion on 25 April.