Ukraine has introduced criminal liability for libel.

Relevant provisions are contained in law No. 3879, which was drawn up by Vadym Kolesnichenko and Volodymyr Oliynyk, members of the Party of Regions faction, and adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on Thursday.

According to the adopted law, libel (deliberate dissemination of false statements that harm the honor and dignity of another person) is punishable by a fine of 50 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, or community service for up to 200 hours, or correctional labor for up to one year.

Libel that is publicly distributed in the media or on the Internet, or committed by a person previously convicted for libel, is punishable by a fine of 50 to 300 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, or community service for 150 to 240 hours, or correctional labor for up to one year.

Libel coupled with an accusation of a grave or especially grave crime is punishable by correctional labor for a term of one to two years, or restriction of freedom for up to two years.