One of the photographs whose publication on Facebook led to the arrest of Rodney Moncur has again been published online as Bahamians continue to protest over his treatment. The photograph published on Facebook is a picture of the bruised buttocks of a man who claimed to have been beaten by police. After its publication by Mr Moncur, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade confirmed an officer had been charged in connection with that incident.

#The photo originally appeared on Mr Moncur’s Facebook page alongside another – an autopsy photo reportedly showing Jamie Smith, a man who died in police custody last month. Mr Moncur has been charged with committing a “grossly indecent act” over the publication of the pictures. He spent one night in custody after being charged before being released on bail.

#Last week, Mr Greenslade issued a warning to the public not to post “lewd” or “obscene” pictures on social media – a warning that provoked a strong response online. A Facebook group set up while Mr Moncur was in custody, named Free Rodney Moncur, gained more than 4,000 members and there was fierce debate in social media over the charges facing the justice of the peace, with some questioning why others who had posted material online they considered more offensive had not been charged.

#Mr Greenslade said last week: “I send a clear message to all and sundry: have your fun on social media, send your messages to your friends; but this issue of posting lewd pictures of people, obscene pictures of people – whether they are alive or dead or injured – is an area that’s going to get you into grave problems.”

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