They provoked me – Wendelinus
Facing legal action
Wendelinus Hamutenya-Jeremiah says he has voice recordings capturing the insults that were directed at him, which prompted him to respond in kind.
Former Mr Gay Namibia Wendelinus Hamutenya-Jeremiah argues that his description of veterans of the liberation struggle as sexually promiscuous, witches and "very stupid individuals whose brains are upside down" was provoked and, he believes, was justifiable.
This information is contained in a letter dated August 25 from Hamutenya-Jeremiah's legal advisor, Leena Haininga, in response to a recent letter of demand from former People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatants. These combatants are threatening to sue him for N$1.5 million for his alleged defamatory statements.
The alleged insults and accusations were made by Hamutenya-Jeremiah in a viral video that he reportedly posted on various social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook.
Responses
Hamutenya-Jeremiah contends that his comments were a direct response to insults directed at him, and he argues that his actions are justified as a result.
"Our member categorically denies any liability for the alleged defamation of character. The context surrounding this situation cannot be ignored; our member’s actions were a direct response to unwarranted insults hurled at him first," Hamutenya-Jeremiah’s lawyer argued.
"While his response may have been regrettable, it was motivated by malice, and it does not warrant the exorbitant damages you claim.
"Furthermore, we possess voice recordings capturing the derogatory remarks initially directed at our member. These recordings substantiate the environment that led to his actions. We are ready to share this evidence upon your formal request.
"In light of our member’s firm denial of liability, we strongly question the basis for your legal action. It is our belief that this matter can be addressed through open communication and a reasonable consideration of the circumstances."
The insults
The veterans, through their lawyer Slogan Matheus, alleged that the gay rights activist labelled former PLAN combatants as "witches, very stupid individuals whose brains are upside down", backward, good for nothing, and destitute beings who should be expelled from Namibia".
He was allegedly reacting to the veterans’ opposition to gay rights in Namibia – an emotive subject in recent months amid a push to criminalise ‘advocacy’ and ‘propagating’ for same-sex marriages.
"We hold instructions to advise that the words you have used in the widely circulated video clip and voice recordings are unnecessary and unfortunate. They are blatantly false and harmful to our clients.
"lt demonstrates an acute lack of respect on your part for former PLAN combatants and/or veterans of the liberation struggle of Namibia," the lawyer’s letter, dated 27 July, reads in part.
Hurt
The veterans accused Hamutenya-Jeremiah of discrediting their "unwavering sacrifices and contributions to the liberation struggle and attainment of the independence of Namibia".
Hamutenya-Jeremiah’s remarks were not factual and were demeaning, malicious, defamatory, and unlawful, the veterans argued, adding that their reputation, dignity, and esteem were injured.
"Our clients are humiliated and degraded by your statements and are now subjected and exposed to ill-will, ridicule and disesteem in society, and being stigmatised and ostracised as witches as a result of your defamatory statements," the lawyer wrote.
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This information is contained in a letter dated August 25 from Hamutenya-Jeremiah's legal advisor, Leena Haininga, in response to a recent letter of demand from former People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatants. These combatants are threatening to sue him for N$1.5 million for his alleged defamatory statements.
The alleged insults and accusations were made by Hamutenya-Jeremiah in a viral video that he reportedly posted on various social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook.
Responses
Hamutenya-Jeremiah contends that his comments were a direct response to insults directed at him, and he argues that his actions are justified as a result.
"Our member categorically denies any liability for the alleged defamation of character. The context surrounding this situation cannot be ignored; our member’s actions were a direct response to unwarranted insults hurled at him first," Hamutenya-Jeremiah’s lawyer argued.
"While his response may have been regrettable, it was motivated by malice, and it does not warrant the exorbitant damages you claim.
"Furthermore, we possess voice recordings capturing the derogatory remarks initially directed at our member. These recordings substantiate the environment that led to his actions. We are ready to share this evidence upon your formal request.
"In light of our member’s firm denial of liability, we strongly question the basis for your legal action. It is our belief that this matter can be addressed through open communication and a reasonable consideration of the circumstances."
The insults
The veterans, through their lawyer Slogan Matheus, alleged that the gay rights activist labelled former PLAN combatants as "witches, very stupid individuals whose brains are upside down", backward, good for nothing, and destitute beings who should be expelled from Namibia".
He was allegedly reacting to the veterans’ opposition to gay rights in Namibia – an emotive subject in recent months amid a push to criminalise ‘advocacy’ and ‘propagating’ for same-sex marriages.
"We hold instructions to advise that the words you have used in the widely circulated video clip and voice recordings are unnecessary and unfortunate. They are blatantly false and harmful to our clients.
"lt demonstrates an acute lack of respect on your part for former PLAN combatants and/or veterans of the liberation struggle of Namibia," the lawyer’s letter, dated 27 July, reads in part.
Hurt
The veterans accused Hamutenya-Jeremiah of discrediting their "unwavering sacrifices and contributions to the liberation struggle and attainment of the independence of Namibia".
Hamutenya-Jeremiah’s remarks were not factual and were demeaning, malicious, defamatory, and unlawful, the veterans argued, adding that their reputation, dignity, and esteem were injured.
"Our clients are humiliated and degraded by your statements and are now subjected and exposed to ill-will, ridicule and disesteem in society, and being stigmatised and ostracised as witches as a result of your defamatory statements," the lawyer wrote.
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