Summary Imprisoning a person at all for exercising his right to free speech is a violation of human rights.
GENEVA (AFP) - Punishments handed out in Monaco for insulting the royal family are too severe, the UN s human rights watchdog said Thursday, with those caught voicing criticism risking years in jail.
"The committee expresses its concern that public offence of the royal family remains a crime punishable by up to five years in prison," the Human Rights Committee said in a statement.
Imprisoning a person at all for exercising his right to free speech is a violation of human rights, and punishments should not be increased "based on the identity of the person targeted," it said.
Although the UN noted that the offence -- known as lese-majeste or injured monarch -- was usually only met with a fine, there have been several cases of the outspoken being locked up.
The committee s report highlighted in particular "the disproportionate punishment" meted out to a Tunisian in September -- which went far beyond even the prosecution s request.
The unnamed 28-year old had got into a row in a public place when he furiously insulted the royal family, and although prosecutors had requested he spend eight days in jail and pay a 1,000 euro ($1,081) fine, he was given three months behind bars instead.
