In a note, the General Direction of the Executive Body of the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL) notes that at the end of the election day of 20 November 2016, some broadcasting stations in violation of the provisions of the Penal Code , Telecommunications laws and regulations, systematically disseminate information likely to disturb public order, incite the population to violence and undermine the integrity of many citizens.
CONATEL recalls that, according to the provisions of Article 6 of the Decree of 12 October 1977 granting the Haitian State the monopoly of telecommunications services, "telecommunications likely to disturb public order, national security, international relations , morality and good morals or the normal life of the society and its institutions are not conveyed," and the penalties incurred in such cases are provided for in article 139 of the aforementioned decree :
"...When the offense is committed through a broadcasting service, the penalty affects the concessionaire, the staff involved or those who operate it on a regular or occasional basis, as appropriate, the penalty may be progressive and extend to the cancellation of the concession for the holder, to the suspension for two years in respect of staff and a fine imposed on participants in accordance with the law and the regulations."
CONATEL, as the regulatory body in the telecommunications sector, associate itself with the competent authorities with a view to the application of measures which they deem necessary in order to avoid endangering the public peace and the integrity of the citizens.
Also, it urges the broadcasting stations concerned to put an immediate end to these irresponsible abuses and practices, while urging everyone to show serenity and tolerance at this decisive crossroads of national life.
