Ethiopia Approves Controversial Law Curbing Hate Speech

Ethiopia Approves Controversial Law Curbing Hate Speech
Ethiopian men read newspapers and drink coffee at a cafe during a declared state of emergency and internet shurdown in Addis Ababa on Oct. 10, 2016. Mulugeta Ayene/AP
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ADDIS ABABA—Ethiopian lawmakers on Feb. 13 approved a controversial law aimed to curb hate speech and disinformation, especially online, just months ahead of a major election.

The law’s approval, with 23 lawmakers opposing and two abstaining, came amid concerns over widespread online false information and hate speech that some observers blame for ethnic tensions in the East African nation.