By Glenda Willie.
A citizen has been arrested and charged for making threats on social media.
The police have charged that person under the Public Order Act, Section 12A; Disturbance in a public place and Section 14B; Incitement to Violence and disobedience of the law.
The individual has been cautioned, detained in Cell 6, and was released on bail on Thursday.
He will appear in court on April 26, 2024.
Police confirmed the case is currently under investigation.
Police has also issued a statement reminding public that exercising their rights as a citizen of Vanuatu is important for maintaining security.
The Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) respects these individual rights. They intervene when these rights are not respected or when individuals fail to act responsibly as citizens and break the law.
The police appeal to everyone to respect their rights under the constitution and to exercise them responsibly within the bounds of the law. The police take these actions seriously and will deal with individuals who break the law.
Police stressed through a public statement that “the Referendum campaign is a national activity that is currently ongoing across the country to educate people about the decision made by parliament regarding amendments to sections 17A and 17B.
There are two groups: one campaigning for a “VOTE YES” and the other for a “VOTE NO”.
“Police respects an individual rights to make any public comments, give opinions, and ask questions during awareness campaigns or through any social media outlets.
“We ask that when you exercise your right to comment, you do so with respect, as a responsible citizen, ensuring that your comments do not incite any situation that would breach the laws of the country.
“The VPF ensures that peace is maintained throughout the country at all times and requires the cooperation of everyone.
