By Adama Makasuba
Honorable Mai Ahmed Fatty, leader of Gambia Moral Congress, has called for criminalisation of hate speech especially on the social media platforms.
“I have observed a persistent disturbing trend that appears settled. Social media, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, appear to be used as weapons of mass destruction and political vendetta against each other. In the rabid rivalry of mutually assured destruction, supporters of different political parties invent outright lies and ridiculous fabrications for the sole purpose of character assassination.
“They brazenly lie, without an iota of compunction, so as to subject their perceived enemies and political opponents to massive public ridicule, venom and contempt. In the making and circulation of defamatory audio or unsubstantiated scandalous allegations via FB, they are consciously aware of the deliberate falsehood they seek to spread and the intended reputational damage it may inflict. Yet they relish in this sinister escapade mostly for political vanity. Do these people forget that this is a great evil that shall fling them into the deepest pit of hell? Do they ever avert their minds to their inevitable death and the ensuing punishment starting from the grave for eternity?” he said.
According to him, there are several competing urgent priorities confronting our society, and one of them includes the imperative to sanitize our political discourse and engagements. It is not really worth it.
“I am gravely worried about the future of our politics. I support the enactment of legislation against hate speech, spreading of lies and parental insults. No sane person can defend these evils under the guise of free speech or democracy. We must endeavour to practice politics with morality. And yes, it’s possible,” he added.
“Members of GMC have consistently proven, through their conduct of politics, that it is very possible to practice politics with morality. It is a condition of continuing membership into our Party. This philosophy of GMC is increasingly being noticed and acknowledged and has received validation from respectable political circles. Many decent persons in some political Parties do also uphold this principle,” he expressed.