CRIMINALIZING FREEDOM OF SPEECH 2

The Supreme Court proceedings continues today and Ken Kuranchie has become a "prison tourist". 

Amidst array of education, the incarceration of Ken Kuranchie still beats logic.

While persons in the "black and white fraternity" ve unconditionally embraced the Supreme Court's verdict as perfect (perhaps under a misguided notion of protecting the pride of their profession), society at large is split in opinion. Either ways, there is a call for circumspection on speech ; moreover, the sentinel role of vigilantes/ institutions shall either be diluted or experience "enhanced timidity", a situation already glaring.

Inherent in the literal and operational definition of "contempt" is the element of "willful disrespect or disregard" to a court / authority. Something which (in my mind) was missing in the publication of Ken.

Ironically, the originators of this "contempt concept" ve amended their statues to meet the growing need for freedom of speech contrary to what we find now in Ghana - where our legislators and all "who matter" ve wilfully embraced the "contempt concept" unquestioningly. Perhaps, in thought that it'll immune them off "harsh public scrutiny".

As a dear friend puts it, "Justice remains what the mighty says it is". 

For now we remain docile to the intimidation and hope that someday, one of the "black and white fraternity" or those on the "corridors of power" will fall prey to this "Judicial teeth" - contempt.

For only then shall there be a realisation for a re-look at this frankenstein - contempt.

Fingers crossed.


~ atiemo