Defamation remains a criminal offence in Suriname (punishable with imprisonment).

The following are criminal offences under the Surinamese Criminal Code:

Defamation (smaad), defined as knowingly harming another’s reputation through accusation of a particular fact (Art. 320). The punishment is imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to 300 guilders. Defamation committed through writing or images (smaadschrift) is punishable with up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 300 guilders.

When a person accused of defamation has the possibility to prove the truth of the defamatory accusation but does not or cannot do so, he or she is guilty of slander (laster). The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years (Art. 321). In addition, as provided under Art. 46, convicted offenders may be stripped of certain civil rights , such as the right to hold public office or serve in the armed forces

Insult that does not constitute defamation or slander. The punishment is imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to 300 guilders (Art. 325).

Slanderous insinuation (lasterlijke verdachtmaking), defined as falsely attributing a crime to another person. The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years. (Art. 328).

Provisions on the books.

Defaming or insulting a public authority, public body, or public institution is a criminal offence under Art. 173 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 3,000 guilders.

Publicly expressing enmity, hatred, or contempt toward the government of Suriname is a criminal offence under Art. 171. The punishment is imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to 300 guilders.

In addition, the bringing of a false complaint that harms the honour or reputation of a particular person in the government is a criminal offence under Art. 329. The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years.

Provisions on the books.

Insulting the Head of State is a criminal offence under Art. 152 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 1,000 guilders. In addition, as provided under Art. 46, convicted offenders may be stripped of certain civil rights , such as the right to hold public office or serve in the armed forces

Possession of distribution of content insulting to the Head of State is a criminal offence under Art. 153. The punishment is imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 300 guilders.

In both cases noted above, offenders may be prohibited from practicing their profession.

Provisions on the books.

Insulting the Surinamese flag is a criminal offence under Art. 176 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to six months.

Defaming or insulting a public authority, public body, or public institution is a criminal offence under Art. 173 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 3,000 guilders.

Publicly expressing enmity, hatred, or contempt toward the government of Suriname is a criminal offence under Art. 171. The punishment is imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to 300 guilders.

Provisions on the books.

Insulting the representative of a foreign country in Suriname is a criminal offence under Art. 158 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to four years or a fine of up to 300 guilders.

Provisions on the books.

Defamation of the dead is a criminal offence under Art. 330 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 300 guilders.

Provisions on the books.

Blasphemy and offence to religious feelings are criminal offences under Art. 196 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. The punishment is imprisonment for up to three months and a fine of up to 120 guilders.

The information contained in this database is for informational and advocacy purposes only. If you are a journalist facing a defamation claim, you should seek legal advice from a qualified attorney. However, if you are unable to find such an attorney, IPI may be able to assist you in doing so. Please contact us at ipi[at]freemedia.at.

Information on Suriname was last updated in 2013.