St Catherine, Jamaica – Well-liked social media character Milton Wray, recognized to his on-line followers as “119,” was arrested on Tuesday and charged with malicious communication below the Cybercrimes Act. The cost stems from two social media posts allegedly directed at a lady from a St Catherine handle.
Wray, a former journalist, was taken into custody by the Spanish City Legal Investigative Department (CIB). He was later granted station bail within the quantity of $400,000 and is scheduled to seem within the St Catherine Parish Court docket on Might 12.
The controversial case has sparked public debate over freedom of speech and the interpretation of Jamaica’s lately amended Cybercrimes Act. Wray, talking to reporters following his launch, questioned the premise for his arrest.
“I begged them to inform me what phrases in my submit amounted to ‘malicious communication’. The officer replied, ‘that’s why there’s a judicial system – that shall be revealed in court docket,’” he mentioned.
The TikToker has vowed to problem the cost within the constitutional court docket, calling it “a brand new low” and an try by authorities to suppress the voices of on a regular basis Jamaicans. “I’m looking for a keep on the matter pending a problem. This regulation, in my opinion, is patently unconstitutional and infringes dangerously on the Constitution of Elementary Rights and Freedoms,” Wray said.
In line with investigators, the cost pertains to posts allegedly made by Wray a few younger girl, who subsequently filed a criticism with the Spanish City CIB. Nevertheless, Wray insists the content material was neither threatening nor obscene, and that it was not meant to harass.
“This entire factor is ridiculous,” he mentioned. “I didn’t threaten anybody, and the submit wasn’t obscene. The state is simply attempting to suppress my constitutional rights to freedom of speech.”
Part 9 of the Cybercrimes Act outlines penalties for utilizing digital platforms to ship threatening, harassing, or defamatory content material. Offenders can face fines and imprisonment of as much as 20 years.
Wray maintains his innocence and views the cost as a calculated try and silence his social media advocacy. “It’s scary {that a} regulation in Jamaica permits police to arrest a citizen merely for relating their expertise,” he mentioned.
Lately, malicious communication fees have grow to be more and more widespread, usually linked to the net posting of specific content material with out consent. Nevertheless, Wray contends that the regulation is being misapplied in his case and is assured that the court docket will vindicate him.
The matter has renewed requires public schooling round digital rights, free expression, and the authorized boundaries of on-line communication in Jamaica.
