Waec Model Questions Vol1 2023 Civic Education Question 50

A country of 12 million people enacts a law that bans any public criticism of the government, punishable by a fine of ₦10,000 or up to two years' imprisonment. Under the ICCPR, restrictions on freedom of expression must be necessary and proportionate. A survey shows that 68 % of citizens would have expressed criticism online if the law did not exist; of these, 40 % would have posted on social media (each post reaching an average audience of 500 people), 30 % would have written letters to newspapers (each reaching 2 000 people) and 30 % would have organized peaceful rallies (each reaching 1 500 people). Estimate the maximum number of citizens whose right to receive information is indirectly affected by the law. Based on the proportionality principle, is the law likely compatible with the ICCPR? Provide a brief justification.