Haiti - NOTICE : False information, call to order !
The Executive Body of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) found that some broadcast stations, in violation of the Penal Code and the laws and regulations of telecommunications, systematically disseminate false information likely to disturb public order, to destabilize the institutions of the Republic and to undermine the integrity of many citizens.
The Executive Body of CONATEL recalls the provisions of Article 6 of the Decree of 12 October 1977 granting the Haitian State monopoly of telecommunications services, "Telecommunications likely to disturb public order, national security, international relations, morality and decency or the normal life of the society and its institutions are not transported." Penalties in such cases are set out in section 139 of the said decree as follows :
"The CONATEL apply, where applicable, the penalties provided for in Article 109 to the natural or legal persons who commit the following offenses: [...] violate the provisions of Article 6 or transmit false signals (subparagraph c);
When the offense is committed by means of a broadcasting service, the penalty hits the concessionaire, the staff in question or who perform operational regular or on occasional basis, as applicable; the penalty may be progressive and up to the cancellation of the concession for the holder, suspension for two years regarding the staff and a fine imposed on the participants in accordance with the law and the regulations."
Accordingly, CONATEL did injunction to broadcasting stations to immediately stop these irresponsible practices that endanger public peace and integrity of citizens. Absence by them to comply, the Council will apply the provisions of law.
