A dozen investigations for the dissemination of false information on the pandemic of new coronavirus have been opened in Argentina since March 20, when the quarantine measures were put in place by the authorities, the prosecutor's office told AFP.
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According to Horacio Azzolin, head of the cybercrime unit within the prosecution, his services have received nearly 500 reports for dissemination of false information in the past month. These facts, qualified as “ public intimidation ” in Argentine criminal law, are punishable by up to six years in prison. "What we have done is adapt the prosecution policy to the situation," said Horacio Azzolin.
" Our mission is to investigate crimes and these facts may involve a risk for the population, the prosecutors have therefore assumed their responsibilities, " he added. According to the latest official figures, Argentina has recorded 2,669 cases of Covid-19 including 122 deaths. Mandatory containment measures have been imposed on 44 million Argentines since March 20 and must last until at least April 26.