ST JOHN’S, Antigua, Dec 09 2016 – The Antigua and Barbuda Parliament has approved a resolution deploring “the dastardly act of terrorism” by the circulation of a video “inciting the assassination” of legislators here.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne in piloting the resolution late Thursday, said that the matter was of “serious concern” and one of national security.
He told legislators that over last few days, the video has been circulating through the social media “that brings terrorism and incitement to commit murder directly into our country and at the very heart of government.
“The video, which has a strong military focus, portrays several members of this Honourable House on the government side as targets for execution. It also portrays you, Mr Speaker, as a target for such a murderous act,” Browne said.
He said at the end of the video a male voice is heard to identify himself as George Wehner, who calls on his audience to keep their heads down and to keep their eyes on the target.
“Mr Wehner is a trained soldier, a captain, a commissioned officer well-versed in the use of guns, ammunition and other lethal weapons. In 2010 the Commander of the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force recommended to the Defence Board, headed by the former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, that he be retired from the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force in the interest of National Security,” Browne said.
He said that Whenner consistently promotes himself on a local radio station here as “a “War Dog” and has threatened me on several occasions.
Police have since announced that they are searching for Wehner, an executive member of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).
The party’s attorney, Leon “Chaku” Symister confirmed that Wehner is being sought in regards to a possible violation of the Electronic Crimes Act.
Meanwhile, Wehner has issued a public apology over the video. Speaking on Observer Radio, he said while he is taking ownership of the video, he is denying suggestions that he intends to carry out any act of terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda.
