The Police have been asked to investigate an alleged death threat against the Premier posted on a popular blog.

On July 13, 2010 an anonymous poster wrote: “OK... point me to the grassy knoll then... actually that would be better now thinking about it... I’ll actually have a better shot [the word ‘shot’ was struck through with a line] view, and no one will ever see me... and I can leave without a trace...”

The poster made the comment during a discussion on the Premier’s Farwell Gala in which some members ridiculed the upcoming Progressive Labour Party events to honour Premier Ewart Brown, who is finishing his four year term as leader of the country in October.

This morning the Premier’s Press Secretary Jahmal Simmons said: “Recently, it was discovered that a so-called ‘joke’ about assassinating the Premier was published on an anonymous online messaging board with a history of hateful comments against the Progressive Labour Party.

“Assassination is no laughing matter. To this end, we have notified the Bermuda Police Service about this threat and asked for an investigation.

“While we encourage and support freedom of speech — including anonymous speech — comments alluding to violence and assassination must be taken seriously. Assassination is never a laughing matter. Given the tone set by commenters such as those on the anonymous message board and in the media, we must not deny that the potential for political violence exists in our society.”

* Full story in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.