Bosnia’s Republika Srpska Imposes Fines for Coronavirus ‘Fake News’

The government of the Republika Srpska issued a decree on Thursday that forbids causing "panic and disorder" during a state of emergency, Interior Minister Dragan Lukac told a press conference.

"In recent days, we have had various comments on social networks by irresponsible people who create fake news and cause panic and fear among citizens, which can cause various consequences," Lukac said.

He added that "during an emergency, it is forbidden to publish false news and allegations that cause panic and severely disrupt public order and peace or prevent the implementation of measures by institutions exercising public authority".

The government ruling covers the publication and transmission of false news by the media and on social networks.

"[Wrongdoers] will not be able to hide, even on social networks; we will find them," Lukac said.

Individuals who are proved to have caused panic and spread false news will be fined between 1,000 and 3,000 Bosnian marks (between 500 and 1,500 euros), and firms between 3,000 and 9,000 marks (between 1,500 and 4,500 euros).