Dear Editor,
With every charge laid under the Cybercrime Act of 2016 the Government’s eye grows blacker; we cannot subscribe to criminal charges based on statements that cause emotional distress, the truth hurts, it always has and always will. The recourse to sue for libel and defamation exists in law for untrue statements; all the Cybercrime Act does is enable people to criminalize (uncomfortable) truth. That said, there is little doubt that many are playing fast and loose with truth and facts on social media platforms, how then do we rein in this runaway horse and carriage if not with cybercrime charges? Two wrongs can never make a right, hence a good way forward is for us (the public) to be discerning in what we read, believe, share, like, comment on and promote on social media platforms; less sharing without thinking. Similarly, influencers should self-police and try at all times to be responsible with information, allegations, second-hand accounts, etc.
Editor, the recent Dharmalall rape allegation saga has lessons for all who want a better society, we can lament the deep mistrust of the ‘system’ but to do so without examination and offering solutions is futile. Persons who want to make allegations against powerful people feel there is no person or office within the system that they can go to with confidence that their claims will be listened to for their best interest and protection. I would suggest the creation of an office of something akin to the Ombudsman for claims against members of Government and the Judiciary. Details can be worked out but it would all rest on the integrity of the person appointed, our collective weakness is that we have so few with this level of integrity left.
Sincerely,
Robin Singh
