Government urged to review Cybercrime Bill

Twenty-two regional and international organizations say they are “deeply concerned” by the Cybercrime Law adopted last Friday in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

According to the organizations, several provisions of this bill “pose a serious threat to freedom of the press, the free flow of online information, and public debate.”{{more}}

Defamation in print, written and broadcast media is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment under SVG penal code, pre-dating the adoption of the Cybercrime Law, but the new legislation extends criminal defamation to online content.

“In addition to broadening criminal defamation to include online expression, the law also introduces worryingly vague and subjective definitions of cyber-harassment and cyber-bullying, both of which are punishable by imprisonment.

“The negative value and chilling effect that criminal defamation places on freedom of expression and of the press have been well noted at the local, regional and international level, and states have been repeatedly called on to abolish criminal defamation laws. The issue of criminal defamation has particular importance in the Caribbean, where a similar law was adopted in Grenada in 2013 and subsequently amended after international outcry. Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are currently considering similar legislation now under critical review by national, regional, and international stakeholders,” a release from the organizations said.

According to the organizations, the steps taken in SVG “strengthen criminal defamation laws and stifle online dissent and discussion” and could reverse the positive legislative trend in the Caribbean and serve as a negative example for SVG’s regional neighbours.

The groups say it is their view that the law must be revised and criminal defamation must be abolished. They urged the Government of SVG to do so as soon as possible.

The release was signed by the Association of Caribbean Media Workers; Committee to Protect Journalists; International Press Institute; Reporters Without Borders; Canadian Journalists for Free Expression; Center for Independent Journalism – Romania; Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility; Electronic Frontier Foundation Freedom Forum; Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda; Independent Journalism Center – Moldova; Index on Censorship; Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information; Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Media Rights Agenda; Pacific Freedom Forum; Pakistan Press Foundation; Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms – MADA; PEN American Center; PEN Canada PEN International; Vigilance pour la Démocratie et l’État Civique.