Freedom of expression does not include the right to harm others, says prominent Suva lawyer Jon Apted, who has a large public following on social media.
He noted that social media trends had become “more toxic” in recent months.
Apted explained that traditionally, people had not enjoyed freedom of speech, and platforms like Facebook seemed to give them the freedom to say what they wanted for the first time in their lives.
“But they don’t realize that by law, freedom of speech is not absolute. Freedom of speech does not include the freedom to harm others,” Apted said.
“Most people who breach the law on those Chat Fiji sites, and there are more than one, are not aware that they’re breaking the law.
“They genuinely believe that they’re entitled to act that way. It’s important to let people know that no, it’s not your right to say harmful things.”
Apted emphasized that while the public has the right to express their beliefs about issues, it does not extend to using platforms to say things or share images or recordings that hurt anybody.
“The law doesn’t allow you to shame people and belittle them like nasty village gossip. That’s not what freedom of speech allows. The law will protect people against the abuse of freedom of speech.”
Recently, there was heavy speculation on social media that the tragic death of 37-year-old local social media influencer, Esala Seru, was due to alleged cyberbullying.
Police confirmed his death was an alleged suicide; however, the circumstances leading to his untimely passing are yet to be determined.
Assistant Police Commissioner Crime Mesake Waqa stated that they could not speculate on the circumstances surrounding Seru’s death, as it is part of the ongoing investigation.
Questions sent to the Online Safety Commission about Seru’s passing remained unanswered.