The Hellkom website, where the public can voice criticism of telecommunications giant Telkom, is part of freedom of expression, the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) said on Friday.
A spokesperson for labour union Solidarity, Dirk Hermann, said in a statement on behalf of Hellkom that the FXI has expressed its support for the website and its webmaster, Greg Stirton.
“Criticism and parody that is not actuated by malice constitutes fair comment, which is an essential component of the right to freedom of expression,” the FXI said in a statement.
“Such criticism enjoys constitutional protection no matter how exaggerated it may be as long as it is honest, relevant and it is carried out for non-commercial purposes.”
The institute’s remarks come after Telkom threatened Hellkom with a R5-million lawsuit earlier this week if the website continues operating after Friday.
Telkom threatened to get a court interdict to stop Hellkom from using “Telkom’s trademark and defacing the logo”.
The FXI condemned the threats.
It said the website is a forum for people to exercise their right to “criticise or parody” the activities of Telkom.
More than 700 people have already expressed their support for Hellkom in a petition, while hundreds more have posted criticism of Telkom on the website. — Sapa
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