Cap. 399 Art. 49Use of electronic communications apparatus to make threats.

Any person who by means of an electronic communications network or apparatus -

(a) threatens the commission of any crime; or

(b) with intent to extort money or any other thing, or to make any gain, or with intent to induce another person to do or omit from doing any thing, threatens to accuse or to make a complaint against, or to defame, that or another person; or

(c) makes any other improper use thereof, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (multa) not exceeding twenty five thousand euro (€25,000) and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine (multa) not exceeding five hundred euro (€500) for each day during which the offence continues; for each day during which the offence continues:

Provided that, without prejudice to the application of any other law, words or expressions uttered or published on an electronic communications network or apparatus shall not constitute an offence against this Act if they are uttered or published as part of artistic, satirical, comic or cultural expression, of any kind, and do not lead to credible and realistic threats to the personal liberty or security of any person or to a person’s property.