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AFC calls for blasphemous libel to be repealed from lawbooks
Daniel Wharton, popularly known as Baby Skello
Kaieteur News – The Alliance For Change (AFC) has joined calls for the repeal of blasphemous libel as an offence on the law books, calling it an “archaic and incompatible offence”.
In a statement to the media on Monday, the party argues that it is a colonial-era law that is standing in direct contradiction of Article 146 of the Constitution, which is the International human rights obligations, and includes Guyana’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Guyana is a State Party.
“Blasphemous libel laws, by their very nature, criminalise expressions of religious critique or dissent and pose a chilling effect on free speech and open discourse in a democratic society. Such provisions are not only outdated, but inconsistent with Article 146 of the Constitution and Article 19 of the ICCPR, which guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers.,” the party said.
It noted that the United Nations Rights Committee in number 34 of its General Comments clearly stated that prohibitions of displays of the lack of respect for a religion or other belief system, with the inclusion of blasphemy laws, are incompatible with the Covenant, with exception given in very narrow circumstances such as direct incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
“In keeping with these principles and in line with global human rights trends, we urge all members of the National Assembly to act swiftly to: Repeal all legislation criminalizing blasphemy or religious insult, including blasphemous libel; Affirm the primacy of freedom of expression in a pluralistic democracy; Ensure that any limitations on speech meet the strict tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality under international law,” the AFC added.
Currently countries across the Commonwealth and even beyond such as the United Kingdom have recognized that the untenability of blasphemy laws in modern democracies and have acted decisively to abolish them.
“Guyana must do the same. This is a moment for principled leadership. We call on all members of the National Assembly, civil society, and faith communities to stand united in defending the rights of all Guyanese to speak freely, question authority, and engage in robust dialogue without fear of persecution,” the AFC urged.
The AFC’s call comes days after Guyanese artist Daniel Wharton also known as ‘Baby Skello’ was remanded to prison on a charge of Blasphemous Libel. Wharton appeared at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who remanded him to prison until July 1, 2025.
The charge stemmed from a distasteful and vulgar song Wharton released on his TikTok page about the Hindu Goddess, Mother Lakshmi. Following the release of the song, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) had issued a stern warning to the local artiste demanding the removal of the song that portrays the Hindu Goddess in a vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous manner. Wharton subsequently removed the song and issued an apology to the Hindu community on social media. He also apologised in the form of a song that was released on his social media platforms. Following the public outrage, Wharton was arrested by police in connection with the song and held in police custody for at least 24 hours.
- Alliance For Change, Baby Skello, Blasphemous Libel, Guyana Lawbooks, Guyanese rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
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