RVIPF Launches Investigation Into Video Allegedly Inciting Political Violence on Social Media

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is currently investigating a video circulating on social media that appears to endorse the use of violence as a means of political expression.

Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Kenrick Davis in a December 18 RVIPF press statement said “the contents of the video may involve material that crosses the threshold for serious criminal offences.”

While the RVIPF fully supports the constitutional right to freedom of expression, it does not condone the expression of views without consideration of their potential impact on society, the statement added.

The ongoing investigation will focus on potential violations under several legal provisions, including
Section 351 of the Criminal Code, Revised Edition 2013, which outlines the offence of Intentional Incitement, carrying a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

And also, Section 19 of the Counterterrorism Act of 2021, which addresses actions that intentionally incite others to commit terrorist acts. The Act also defines what constitutes a “terrorist act,” and it appears that the statements in the viral video may fall within this definition.

Offences under this Act carry more severe penalties, including up to fourteen years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 for intentional incitement.

Additionally, DCI Davis highlighted that Section 14 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act makes provisions for criminal charges relating to material deemed “grossly offensive” or containing a “menacing character.”

The public has been urged to “refrain from inciting violence in any form” and to adopt methods of expression that do not jeopardise the safety and well-being of others.