Government body orders media limits

CARACAS, VENEZUELA>> Venezuela’s all-powerful constitutional assembly passed a wide-reaching law Wednesday that clamps down on social media and broadcasters alike by ordering prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who instigates hate.

The law, passed by the pro-government assembly amid rousing applause and flag-waving on the chamber floor, prohibits Venezuelans from spreading any message through television, radio or social media that instigates violence or hate.

Public and private media outlets are “obligated to broadcast messages aimed at promoting peace, tolerance, equality and respect,” the law said.

The government backers seemed mainly interested in controlling socialmedia and broadcasters, with the law making only a brief mention of newspapers. Print publications are obliged to print the anti-hate law.

The measure was criticized by international human rights advocates, who said the law limits dissent by criminalizing peaceful protests, the hallmark of a democratic society.

“The law seeks to end free speech in social media — a key space for Venezuelans to express themselves in a country with shrinking free speech avenues,” said Jose Miguel Vivanco of the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Backers of socialist President Nicolas Maduro have often accused opponents of being fascists spreading hateful messages.

The law targets political parties that promote “fascism, intolerance or national hate,” prohibiting them from registering with the government-stacked National Electoral Council.