Ivory Coast About to Adopt a Controversial Amendment to its Penal Code

The Law Library of Congress informs us that on June 6, 2024, Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly adopted amendments to its penal code to a combat terrorism and money laundering. The Ivorian Senate also adopted the amendments a few days later, and the President is expected sign the promulgation of the law.  

Although most of the amendments have wide support, one amendment will now punish with imprisonment any person who “appeals to the public with the aim of disapproving of the authority and provoking solidarity with one or more convicts.” The law previously made it illegal to provoke solidarity with any person convicted of advocating crimes such as murder, pillage, burning or destroying buildings, theft, or crimes against human rights. The 2024 amendment expands this to include any crime. 

Click here to read more about whether this amendment may violate human rights in the Côte d’Ivoire.

Hat tip to the Law Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor.

(mew)