Insults are not crimes; we must distinguish them from criminal offences – Kofi Bentil

Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, argues that the state must draw a clear distinction between actions that are objectionable and actions that constitute criminal offenses. During a recent appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile program, he warned against using state institutions to address matters that are simply considered insulting or offensive.

Bentil emphasized that his remarks were not a defense of any specific individual's conduct, but a broader point about the need to distinguish between insults and criminal offenses. He clarified that while insults may be objectionable and inappropriate, they do not automatically warrant the use of state power against those involved.

Society, according to Bentil, should address insulting behavior through social and cultural means, such as ostracizing individuals, rather than relying on the state security system. The CID Director, whom he has a positive relationship with, was criticized for her public comments, which he found difficult to reconcile with the need to identify specific criminal conduct.

Bentil maintained that the seriousness of the matter, including the decision to hold a press conference, highlighted the importance of clearly establishing the specific criminal conduct involved. He reiterated that the deployment of state security resources should focus on criminal conduct, not merely offensive or insulting behavior.