The interim government has made a decisive move to swiftly withdraw cases related to speech offenses filed under cyber laws.
Additionally, any individuals currently detained in connection with these cases will be released through legal procedures, said a press release by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on Monday (30 September).
"As per records, there are currently 5,818 ongoing cases across eight cyber tribunals in the country under the Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006, the Digital Security Act of 2018, and the Cyber Security Act of 2023, as of August 2024. Among these, cases initiated due to the expression of free speech are categorised as 'speech offenses', while those involving computer hacking or fraud via digital devices are labelled as 'computer offenses'," it added.
"At present, there are 1,340 cases related to speech offenses, of which 461 cases are under investigation by relevant agencies, and 879 cases are pending trial in the country's eight cyber tribunals. Specifically, 279 of these speech offense cases fall under the Information and Communication Technology Act, 786 under the Digital Security Act, and 275 under the Cyber Security Act," the press release said.
The interim government has resolved to expedite the withdrawal of speech offense cases. Of the 1,340 cases related to speech offenses, the 879 cases under trial will be withdrawn promptly in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Investigating officers have also been directed to expedite the resolution of the 461 ongoing investigations by submitting final reports.
Anyone detained in connection with these cases will be released immediately through this process.
