In Benin, a minor is facing prosecution by the special prosecutor’s office at the
Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) for allegedly
defaming President Patrice Talon on social media. The accusations stem from a
Facebook post in which the teenager referred to the president as a ”scammer”. The
minor appeared before the special court twice, on February 24 and 27, 2025.
The case has sparked debates about freedom of expression, particularly for minors,
and the protection of public figures’ reputations. Some argue that the prosecution
enforces strict defamation laws, while others see it as a restriction on free speech.
Article 550 of the Digital Code stipulates penalties of up to six months in prison
and a fine of one million CFA francs for spreading false information via social
media.
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