Two men remanded over incitement to violence on social media

Two men were charged and remanded to prison in separate cases involving serious cybercrime offences under Guyana’s Cybercrime Act No. 16 of 2018, following alleged threats and incitement to violence made via the social media platform TikTok.

The first accused, 24-year-old Emmanuel Rogers, a self-employed delivery driver and labourer of New Prospect Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was charged with two indictable offences: using a computer system to encourage or incite persons to commit a criminal offence against the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and using a computer system to incite a terrorist act. These charges are in direct contravention of Sections 18(1)(c) and 18(1)(d)(ii), and contrary to Section 18(2) of the Cybercrime Act.

Rogers was arrested by ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters in relation to a TikTok video uploaded on Tuesday, in which he allegedly called on individuals to murder the President and commit acts of terrorism, including burning the police station, hospital, and Parliament building.

He appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he was not required to plead to the charges. Magistrate proceedings concluded with Rogers being remanded to prison until the next hearing, scheduled for May 23, 2025.
In a separate case, 43-year-old Azriel Ashby, a security guard of El Dorado Village, West Coast Berbice, was also charged with inciting a terrorist act via TikTok. The alleged offence occurred between Monday and Tuesday, at Go Slow Avenue, Tucville, Georgetown. According to investigators, Ashby allegedly used the platform to call for the burning of several areas, including Sophia Road, Weldaad, Paradise, and Eldorado.

Ashby was arrested by CID ranks and brought before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He entered a plea of not guilty. However, bail was denied and he, too, was remanded to prison. His case has been adjourned to May 23, 2025.
The Guyana Police Force has reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigate and prosecute cyber offences that pose threats to national security and public safety. Authorities have also warned the public of the serious legal consequences of using online platforms to incite violence or terrorism.