NCIC condemns hate speech, says online incitement carries same legal consequences

In a statement on Monday following the swearing-in of its chairperson and seven commissioners, the commission said it is ready to serve at a time when the country is experiencing rising political intolerance, hate speech, ethnic contempt and violent rhetoric.

The commission said it has observed disruptions of political meetings, inflammatory utterances, online attacks, ethnic profiling and the demonisation of divergent political views, warning that some incidents amount to violations of the law.

“Democracy demands tolerance, respect for diversity of opinion, adherence to constitutional principles, and fidelity to the rule of law,” NCIC said, adding that intimidation, weaponising ethnicity and incitement put democracy “in peril”.

NCIC cited Article 33 of the Constitution, saying while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to hate speech, ethnic incitement and advocacy of hatred, which are prohibited under the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

The commission said it is concerned by the misuse of digital platforms to spread divisive content, noting that online hate speech carries the same legal consequences as public utterances.

“NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. Political influence does not confer immunity from accountability,” it said.

NCIC urged political parties to enforce discipline among their members and called on leaders to denounce hate speech and incitement, saying silence in the face of intolerance amounts to endorsement.

The commission also appealed to young people to reject manipulation and engage peacefully and lawfully, adding that it is actively monitoring political discourse across platforms and will not hesitate to act where evidence is established.