The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

ACTIVIST Rodney Moncur has said a Freedom March is being organised to protect the fundamental rights of individuals - following concern over recent remarks by the Commissioner of Police of how social media should and should not be used.

He told The Tribune yesterday that a group being put together will protect the fundamental rights and freedom of Bahamians, and as a start, “we are going to hold a conference on police brutality and human rights violations. Out of that conference, we will organise a march.”

“I want to be able to express my views and I want when a person come to me and complain to me, I could speak for them if I choose,” he said.

Mr Moncur said that the group is still in the preliminary stages of securing a location to host the conference and bring the necessary groups of people together to launch their cause.

Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, nearly two weeks ago, warned the public not to post “lewd” or “obscene” pictures on social media and has vowed to pursue such cases and bring charges.

“I send a clear message to all and sundry: have your fun on social media, send your messages to your friends; but this issue of posting lewd pictures of people, obscene pictures of people – whether they are alive or dead or injured – is an area that’s going to get you into grave problems,” he told the press.

Calls to The Tribune following the commissioner’s announcement noted that earlier that week, a 17-year-old girl attempted to commit suicide by drinking bleach after an ex-boyfriend posted a nude video of her on Facebook, yet there have been no reports of charges in connection with this.

And, they asked, if Mr Greenslade intends to focus on social media – which in most cases a member of the public has to agree to view – what will he do about more public websites?

When asked if any charges have been made in connection with recent instances of nude photos or recordings being posted on-line, the commissioner said: “If we haven’t, then I intend to. I am going to pursue every single one of them.

Mr Moncur responded to these remarks yesterday.

“Here it is in the case of police brutality, where we have exposed it, we believe that freedom of the press, freedom of communication is under attack and we are seeing a rising Nazi, Gestapo philosophy taking place. The police is now telling the public what they cannot post. And essentially, it appears that it is designed to prevent the public from exposing alleged police brutalities and atrocities.”

Mr Moncur emphasised the importance of freedom of the press and its role in a democracy and said that the role of the police force was ensuring the protection of its citizens, including their fundamental rights. He said that the actions police have taken is putting a bad light on the country that is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary of independence.

He also responded to criticism that his actions were self-seeking, brash and lacked thought. Reiterating what he told a talk show host yesterday afternoon, Mr Moncur said “I’m not trying to make this about me.”

“It’s about freedom and I want a country where when I feel like marching, I write to the commissioner of police and I say ‘I want to march against you’ and he gives me my permit and I go and peacefully march.”

Mr Moncur called on Bahamians to mobilise to fight this “threat” to basic fundamental rights that is being challenged by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

He could not say when the conference or march would take place, but indicated that the group was moving “swiftly” to make that happen and wanted the public to support it at a moment’s notice.