Barbadian Citizen Coalition Led by Activist Marcia Weekes to Challenge Cybercrime Bill at IACHR Hearing

A coalition of concerned Barbadian citizens, spearheaded by activist Marcia Weekes, has succeeded in securing a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to challenge the controversial Cybercrime Bill, 2024.

The IACHR, an autonomous organ of the Organisation of American States (OAS), will hear the group’s arguments on November 11 during its 191st session in Washington, D.C. This hearing will provide an international platform for the Barbadians to raise their concerns over what they argue are serious threats to freedom of expression and civil liberties posed by the proposed legislation.

Weekes, joined by a diverse group of supporters, made the announcement at a press conference held at Unity Workers’ Union headquarters in Belleville, St Michael, yesterday.

“We make up the citizenry of Barbados and we represent the 280 000 persons who live in this country,” she declared. “Our presence here reflects the widespread public concern over this bill and its implications for fundamental rights and freedoms.”

This coalition, which has dubbed itself the “loyal opposition” to the Cybercrime Bill, brings together Barbadians from all walks of life, including members of the diaspora, which Weekes described as a groundswell of public resistance to the bill. The group contends that, despite revisions made by a Government-appointed Joint Select Committee earlier this year, the Cybercrime Bill still contains provisions that could infringe upon Barbadians’ rights to free expression. (CLM)