SAPRA will support South African Citizens facing intimidation over commentary on Charlie Kirk
The South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the constitutional rights of all South Africans to freedom of expression and belief.
In response to recent threats by individuals and organisations to report South Africans to their employers for expressing views on the passing of American right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, SAPRA wishes to state clearly, unlike in countries where free expression is curtailed, South Africa has a functioning democracy rooted in constitutional freedoms. In the spirit of this freedom, SAPRA will provide legal advice and support to anyone who is defamed, intimidated, or unjustly targeted for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom and security of the person. This includes the right to express opinions without fear of unlawful reprisal, harassment, or defamation. At the same time, SAPRA underscores that free expression must adhere to the Constitution’s limitations—specifically prohibiting incitement to violence, incitement to hatred, or the propagation of war—in order to uphold the rule of law in our democracy.
The selective policing of speech by politically motivated actors undermines not only the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution but also the values of equality, justice, and mutual respect. SAPRA stands firmly against attempts to weaponize Apartheid-era censorship tactics as a means of silencing dissenting voices. Our mandate is to ensure that the freedoms of belief, conscience, and expression are protected for all South Africans—regardless of religious affiliation or political opinion.
We encourage any individual who has been reported to their employer, harassed, or defamed for exercising these rights to contact SAPRA for assistance.
Dr Tristán Kapp
Spokesperson & Interfaith Officer
Contact: tristan@paganrightsalliance.org