Section 32: Publication of false news.

(1) Any person who publishes any false statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear or alarm, to thepublic or to disturb the public peace shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred leones or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twelve months, or to both such fine and imprisonment. (2) Any person who publishes any false statement, rumour or report which is calculated to bring into disrepute any person who holds an office under the Constitution, in the discharge of his duties shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred leones or to imprisonment not exceeding two years or both. (3) Any person who publishes any false statement, rumour or report which is likely to injure the credit or reputation of Sierra Leone or the Government shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred leones or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or both. (4) This section shall not apply to any defamatory matter exempted under the provisions of section 30. (5) It is no defence to a charge under this section that the person charged did not know or did not have reason to believe that the statement, rumour or report was false, unless he proves that before he communicated such statement, rumour or report, he took reasonable measures to verify the accuracy of this statement, rumour, or report. SEDITIOUS LIBEL