CEPO opens court case against perpetrators of hate speech
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has filed case against perpetrator of online hate speech.
“The leadership of CEPO under the responsibility of the executive director Edmund Yakani is under taking action of opening a case against individuals or group of individuals who will be found engaging in promoting hate speech and propaganda,” Yakani told journalists on Tuesday as he submitted his complaint to cybercrime specialized public prosecution attorney in Juba.
Yakani also submitted the same petition in the high court.
“Hate speech and hostile propaganda has directly contributed in fueling deadly and inhumane violence among our communities across the country,” he said referring to the recent communal violence in Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and Mangala Payam.
On December 24th, armed youth from Jonglei State attacked Murle community GPAA leaving more than 57 people killed and thousands displaced.
The violence led to destruction of properties in Lanam village, Lekwangole and Gumuruk town of GPAA.
“Per the legal provision of our existing laws hate speech and hostile propaganda are prohibited acts because they contribute in undermining social cohesion among the communities,” said the petitioner.
Yakani said the spread of hate speech and hostile propaganda in various social media platforms is growing.
South Sudan is prone to hate speech since outbreak of conflict in December 2013.
Some communities started ethnic profiling and agitating for hating other communities.
