5fm DJ 'inciting violence'
2004-10-01 10:03
Johannesburg - Jokes about mental illness are out.
This was the ruling of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission after comments by 5fm DJ, Gareth Cliff.
Cliff said on air that people who suffer from mental illness "should be chained in a cell and fed porridge".
The controversial DJ was found guilty of inciting violence against the mentally ill.
Cliff said on his drive-time show on June 22 that courts should mete out heavier punishments to those who are mentally ill because "they are a danger to society".
In his ruling, professor Kobus van Rooyen rejected the South African Broadcasting Corporation's argument that Cliff was entitled to his opinion.
"The presenter wanted to encourage the inhuman treatment of people who are mentally ill.
"It is no excuse to say that the statement was made in jest. It is a matter of public interest - there is no room for humour."
Van Rooyen said the SABC was accountable for Cliff's statements on air.
On the net:
www.garethcliff.com