A recent viral post on social media sparked widespread speculation about an alleged decree by the Eritrean government, purportedly mandating men in the country to marry at least two women or face imprisonment. The post went viral across social media platforms, claiming that failure to comply with this law would result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment.The viral message led to a wave of memes and humorous comments, with many users expressing disbelief and amusement at the supposed law. However, a closer look reveals that this information is false and misleading.What are rules on bigamyThe truth behind the viral claim lies in Eritreas legal framework, specifically the 2015 Enthean penal code. Article 321 of the code addresses the solemnization of unlawful marriages, imposing penalties for those who facilitate marriages prohibited by law. Moreover, Article 322 deals with bigamy, highlighting exceptions for polygamous marriages recognized under civil law or religious customs.Debunking the truthThe origin of the viral claim stems from a misconception about Eritreas population demographics, citing a decrease in the male population due to past conflicts. The post suggested that the government enacted the alleged law to address this imbalance, aligning with traditional practices.However, reputable sources, including the BBC, have debunked these claims. The Eritrean government has not introduced any such law mandating polygamous marriages or imposing imprisonment for non-compliance. Similar false rumors have circulated regarding other countries like Iraq and Sudan, indicating a trend of misinformation.However, the viral post about Eritreas government decree regarding polygamous marriage is baseless and lacks a factual basis. It serves as a reminder to critically evaluate information before sharing it.
