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PM criticizes social media keyboard warriors

July 29, 2016 1:02 am

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has criticized social media keyboard warriors who are trying to create division.

Bainimarama says he is concerned about the increasing misuse of social media by some people.

Addressing thousands of students at the University of the South Pacific’s Annual Open Day, the Prime Minister spoke about people using social media to try and create a rift among Fijians.

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“Inciting hatred against someone because of their ethnicity or their religion is a crime under Fijian law and the laws of many other countries, including our bigger neighbours. And it cannot be justified nor should it be allowed.”

Bainimarama has labelled these people trolls and cyber thugs who either act anonymously or steal other people’s identities by setting up false accounts.

He is urging the younger generation, who are the main users of social media to expose such people.

Bainimarama says he will come down hard on those who incite hatred that can easily lead to violence.

He also pointed out that while freedom of expression is a vital component of democracy it comes with a responsibility to keep our society cohesive.