South Africa

South Africa does not have legislation which contains overbroad definitions of sedition or which criminalises false news, defamation and insult.

However, South Africa does have the common law crime of defamation.

The Courts in South Africa have upheld the constitutionality of the common law crime of defamation the Motsepe judgment although this issue has not been decided by the Constitutional Court as yet.

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Images and publications

Media Law Handbook for Southern Africa – Volume 1- Chapter 6: The Republic South Africa

Media Law Handbook for Southern Africa – Volume 1- Chapter 6: The Republic South Africa

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169: Resolution on Repealing Criminal Defamation Laws in Africa (FR)

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169: Resolution on Repealing Criminal Defamation Laws in Africa (EN)

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Midrand Declaration On Press Freedom In Africa (AR)

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Midrand Declaration On Press Freedom In Africa (FR)

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Midrand Declaration On Press Freedom In Africa (EN)

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Declaration of Table Mountain (FR)

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Declaration of Table Mountain (AR)

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Declaration of Table Mountain (EN)

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