No, not "libel laws"...We in Serbia and YU had other expression for what you suggest.
"Protection of face (meaning personality) and work (meaning achievements)" for the highest figures like presidents etc...
It was unlawful to criticize them.
But I am not talking about it. I am talking about emotional abuse of those who are weaker, like children, sick people, old people, sometimes even women and sometimes even men...employees, immigrants and people that are not in a position to fight on the same level...It very often is a court case and people are suing for "emotional pain that they have endured" because of somebody's else actions.  
As for me when I meet someone here who tells me that I came here from some "monkey country" I usually do not sue. I just answer back:" And you came from long line of convicts or at best floor scrubbing English servants and you did not advance much"...I have a big mouth and do not feel helpless but some people do...