Don't use freedom of speech to encourage religious violence - Police warn

Ghana Police Service has issued a strong warning against statements that incite violence or encourage people to harm others in the name of religion.

The warning follows the arrest of two suspects over separate videos involving comments about Prophet Mohammed.

The Police said 35-year-old Imam Masud Abdullah was arrested in connection with a video in which he allegedly encouraged his audience to kill people who insult Prophet Mohammed.

In a related case, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, alias Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, who was seen in a video using derogatory language targeted at Prophet Mohammed.

The Police Service reminded the public, particularly religious leaders, preachers, community leaders and social media commentators, that “freedom of religion and freedom of expression must never be used as justification for inciting violence or encouraging members of the public to harm others.”

“Such inciteful utterances constitute infractions and perpetrators will be arrested to face the full rigours of the law,” the Service emphasised.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing, with the suspects expected to be taken through due process of the law.