Meme-makers may go to jail according to the new draft of the Criminal Code.

The Minister of Justice, Etilda Gjonaj, has proposed changes in the Criminal Code, for criminalization and punishment of defamation.

The proposals also contain provisions for fines and imprisonment for persons who make photomontages without permission.

This category also includes the famous "memes" of social networks. If the person who creates the montage does not say that it is a montage, or damages a person's reputation, he/she risks up to one year in prison.

Specifically, Article 238 of the law states that:

1. The publication in any form, manner or means of a montage made with the words or image of a person without his consent, whether it is carried out for the purpose of material or immaterial gain, or when it is intended to damage the reputation of a person, when the material does not appear to be a montage or, unless expressly stated, is a criminal offense and punishable by up to 1 year in prison.

Explaining this law overlaid with terminology is simple. The government plans to pass a law in the Parliament, which will sentence anyone who dares to make memes.

Without arguing the need for this law, whether this article violates the right and freedom of expression, the government will make a law where all creators of memes will have to get permission from the Prime Minister and ministers, before publishing them, otherwise the prison door awaits them.