Man held over Facebook death threats against Jagdeo

A man, who allegedly made death threats to Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jadgeo and other members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Facebook, was arrested yesterday.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday afternoon that the man, who has been identified as Tameshwar Beekham was taken into custody yesterday at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice.

If there is enough evidence to link Beekham to the crime he can be charged under the Racial Hostility Act with attempting to incite excitement, hostility or ill-will on grounds of race.

Beekham had previously told Stabroek News that he was employed with the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) and was once a ‘wanted man’ for three years, but because of his money and influence he could not be arrested.

He had said that in total he would have scammed people of about $100 million, which was all wasted and short lived, but said he was happy that he was not in possession of any of the money as he wanted to make a fresh start without guilt.

Beekham had said that he was sentenced to a total of 94 years in prison on the scores of charges, but since the sentences ran concurrently he was only required to serve seven years and three months.

He was sentenced on August 26, 2005 and released from prison on November 24, 2012.

Less than two months ago, a woman, Bibi Safoora Salim, who allegedly made death threats against President David Granger on Facebook was charged with attempting to excite hostility and ill will.

She pleaded not guilty and was placed on $200,000 bail and the matter was set for trial.