GPA Condemns Police Threats Against Journalist Amid Concerns Over Outdated Libel Laws

By Mark DaCosta- The Guyana Press Association (GPA) last Friday issued a vigorous statement condemning recent threats made by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against journalist Leroy Smith. The association is particularly alarmed by the implications of these threats, which include potential sedition and obstruction of justice charges resulting from Smith’s reporting on an ongoing investigation into Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus.

This controversy began after Smith published an article on October 23, 2024, on Big Smith News Watch. In response, SOCU issued a press statement disputing Smith’s findings while labelling him a “hired gun.”

The statement suggested that legal action could be initiated based on Smith’s reporting. Smith has since lodged an official complaint with the GPA, reaffirming his commitment to journalistic integrity and expressing concern about the threats directed at him.

The GPA’s statement draws attention to the pervasive issues surrounding Guyana’s libel laws, particularly seditious libel, which many consider archaic and oppressive. Such laws have often been wielded by government entities as tools to intimidate journalists and suppress critical reporting. This practice undermines the fundamental principle of freedom of expression, essential for a functioning democracy.

Notably, most developed countries have abolished sedition laws, recognising their potential to stifle dissent and impede journalistic freedom. The GPA highlighted that the European Union’s report on the March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana noted the country’s troubling alignment with outdated legal practices that contradict international obligations concerning freedom of expression. The report warned that the existence of criminal defamation laws creates a chilling effect, discouraging journalists from covering significant issues for fear of legal repercussions.

The GPA urged the Guyana Police Force and its legal advisors to seriously consider these international critiques. It emphasised that instead of viewing the media as adversaries, state institutions should see journalists as essential partners in fostering transparency and accountability within society.

Historically, as observers have repeatedly opined, the relationship between the Guyana Police Force and the media has been inconsistent. While the police have occasionally collaborated with select journalists to disseminate information about investigations, they have also ignored requests for information on matters of public interest. The recent threats against Smith are apparently perceived by the GPA as part of a larger trend to silence journalists covering crucial public issues, particularly those that may implicate government officials.

In its statement, the GPA called on all journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of reporting. It stressed that any tendency towards biased or factually unsupported narratives not only jeopardises the integrity of individual journalists but also undermines public trust in the media.

The GPA plays a vital role in the Guyanese media landscape by advocating for press freedom and supporting the professional development of journalists. The association provides training and resources to ensure that its members adhere to ethical journalism practices. By responding to the threats against Smith, the GPA reinforces its commitment to protecting journalists’ rights and promoting a free and independent press in Guyana.

As this situation continues to develop, the GPA’s position resonates with broader concerns regarding media freedom in the nation. The association has repeatedly said that it remains prepared to engage with international press freedom advocates to address the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and to push for the repeal of outdated laws that threaten the integrity of the press.