Burkina Faso adopts new penal code with harsh terrorism apology penalties

Burkina Faso has adopted a new penal code, including Article 361-19, which introduces severe sanctions for the apology of terrorism. Under the new law, individuals who publicly present or comment favorably on terrorism or terrorist acts can face 11 to 20 years of imprisonment and fines between 10 and 20 million FCFA.

Penalties are significantly higher when the offense is committed via the press, audiovisual media, or online communication services. In these cases, sentences can range from 21 to 30 years of imprisonment, with fines between 50 and 100 million FCFA.

Press companies face additional consequences. Corporate leaders can face 11 to 20 years in prison, while the companies themselves may be fined between 500 million and 1 billion FCFA. Courts also have the authority to confiscate equipment and order the temporary or permanent closure of media organizations.