Bosnian Serbs pass law limiting freedom of speech
Lawmakers in the Serb part of Bosnia passed a controversial law Thursday that allows authorities to fine people who post offensive content on social networks -- a move rights activists have labeled as limiting freedom of expression. The law was passed by a vote of 46-0 after opposition lawmakers left the session in protest. One lawmaker said the region, Republika Srpska, can now change its name to "North Republika Srpska," drawing a parallel to the harsh censorship in North Korea.
The regional parliament extended the definition of public space in the existing public order law to include social networks. What would constitute "offensive content" is open to government interpretation. Under public pressure, lawmakers agreed to exclude criticism of the government from the bill.
