Bhutanese journalist faces charges of defamation following social media share

• Namgay Zam, an independent journalist, has been accused of defaming a prominent Bhutanese businessman after sharing a critical post on Facebook.
• The post targeted a property dispute involving the businessman, and the author, Dr. Shacha Wangmo, was charged with libel and petty misdemeanor.
• If convicted, Zam faces a fine of up to 2.59 million Bhutanese ngultrum—around $38,500, or 10 times the average salary of a journalist—or up to three years in prison.

Read more:
“Bhutan journalist hit by defamation suit for sharing Facebook post” (The Guardian)
“Lawsuit Over Facebook Post Raises Fears of Online Censorship in Bhutan” (Global Voices Advox)
“In Bhutan, a Facebook Post Leads to Defamation Charges” (The Diplomat)

(Image Credit: via The Guardian)