Antigua and Barbuda: No legal action will be taken against the teenager who suggested gun violence against Prime Minister Gaston Browne on the social media. Instead, the warning has been issued against the Facebook user who posed threat to the prime minister.
The incident occurred on Wednesday last week, when Prime Minister Browne shared post on social media condemning assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. At the time, the teenager had posted that Browne should be next.
In response, Prime Minister Browne announced that no legal action will be taken against teenagers, stating that young people sometimes say such things unintentionally and they are not aware of the consequences of what they said.
He further asserted that the young lady is also now aware of the consequences as what she said was outside of character. PM Browne added that the lady should be given a break as he thinks that this is the case of seeking attention by posting something inappropriate.
He said, ”The Police officials will warm her, but I am not looking forward to take any legal action against her, hoping that warning would be enough for her to remain cautious next time.”
Last week, police commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda- Atlee Rodney announced that the investigation on the matter has been launched as the post of the teenager suggested the violence and threat against Prime Minister Browne.
He added that the country does ‘not tolerate any violence against anyone and such conducts are intolerable. The Commissioner announced that this is totally against the law and the legal provisions will be used to uphold the law.
The public is also urged to avoid sharing violent and provocation content on social media, otherwise suitable action will be taken.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne received the death threats earlier in 2021 when someone issued death notices against him and his family. To this response, PM Browne reacted strictly and warned those, stating, ”Stop the foolish rhetoric, if you come close to me, you will get hurt, don’t test me, I am not afraid of you.”
