Nicaragua Passes Social Media Law Opponents Say Can Land Them In Jail

Nicaragua's parliament on Wednesday passed a law to imprison people who spread "alarm" on social media, a measure opponents say will be used to punish authors of posts critical of the regime.

The law outlines prison sentences of up to five years and fines for people who publish messages that cause "alarm" or "fear," a statement from parliament said, with most of its members loyal to strongman Daniel Ortega, who is accused of rights abuses.

For publications that are considered to promote discrimination, hate or violence, or those that endanger social and economic stability, the penalty can be up to 10 years.