Dear Editor: Gov’t must be wary of religious extremists to avoid repeat of 1990

“[…] The 1990 coup demonstrated that unchecked religious freedom and extreme religious ideologies can pose a direct threat to democracy and civil liberties. This horrendous event is a sobering example of how extreme religious beliefs, if unchecked, can manifest as domestic terrorism.

“Freedom of religion does not include the liberty to incite violence or overthrow the state; nor does it grant a license to treat the civil liberties of the individual with repugnance…”

The following Letter to the Editor on the perceived threat posed to Trinidad and Tobago by “religious extremists” was submitted to Wired868 by Lester Somrah:

The 1990 coup attempt in Trinidad and Tobago by the Islamist group Jamaat al-Muslimeen, led by Yasin Abu Bakr, starkly illustrates the potential threat posed by unchecked freedom of religion and extreme religious beliefs, especially when such beliefs evolve into militant ideologies.

While freedom of religion is a fundamental human right protected under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as international instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it can pose serious challenges when exploited as a shield for extremist agendas.

On 27 July 1990, Yasin Abu Bakr and approximately 114 members of Jamaat al-Muslimeen attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government of Trinidad and Tobago.

They stormed the Red House (Parliament) and held Prime Minister ANR Robinson and members of Parliament hostage for six days. Another group simultaneously attacked the national television station, attempting to control the media narrative.

The Islamic group claimed to be acting against government corruption and inequality. However, their method—violent insurrection—was underpinned by a radical interpretation of Islam and a belief that religious conviction justified armed rebellion.

Threats posed by unchecked religious freedom and extremism:

1. Religious justification for violence:

Jamaat al-Muslimeen used religious rhetoric and Islamic symbolism to legitimize their violent actions.

When religious freedom is left completely unchecked, extremist groups may use religion to:

• Justify acts of terrorism or sedition;
• Recruit marginalized individuals under the banner of divine mandate;
• Undermine the legitimacy of secular, democratic institutions.

2. Exploitation of legal protections:

In a pluralistic society like Trinidad and Tobago, with constitutional protections for religious freedom, religious groups can register and operate with minimal interference.

Jamaat al-Muslimeen initially gained legal recognition as a religious organization and used this status to:

• Establish a paramilitary compound under the guise of a mosque;
• Receive donations and support without full transparency;
• Avoid scrutiny under the assumption of religious immunity.

3. Radicalisation of vulnerable populations:

Socioeconomic inequality, racial tension, and government neglect in urban areas like Laventille and parts of Port of Spain created fertile ground for Jamaat al-Muslimeen’s recruitment.

Abu Bakr’s message resonated with some who felt abandoned by the state. Without robust mechanisms to monitor and address religious extremism, disenfranchised youth remain vulnerable to radicalisation.

4. Undermining of state authority and national security:

The coup revealed serious vulnerabilities in Trinidad and Tobago’s national security and intelligence apparatus.

A religiously motivated group was able to:

• Amass arms and explosives;
• Train operatives within national borders;
• Penetrate core government institutions.

Balancing Religious Freedom, Civil Liberties and National Security

To avoid future threats like the 1990 coup, Trinidad and Tobago must:

• Uphold freedom of religion but enforce laws against incitement, sedition, and violence, regardless of religious affiliation.
• Enforce laws that regulate freedom of religion, in particular religious beliefs that infringe and/or interfere with the constitutional rights and freedoms of the individual.
• Enact legislation that does not grant extremist ideological movements and cults with NGO status.
• Monitor radical groups without persecuting religious minorities.
• Promote dialogue to isolate extremist ideologies and identity cults.
• Provide economic and educational opportunities to prevent recruitment into militant religious movements.

The 1990 coup demonstrated that unchecked religious freedom and extreme religious ideologies can pose a direct threat to democracy and civil liberties. This horrendous event is a sobering example of how extreme religious beliefs, if unchecked, can manifest as domestic terrorism.

Freedom of religion does not include the liberty to incite violence or overthrow the state; nor does it grant a license to treat the civil liberties of the individual with repugnance.

While protecting freedom of religion is essential in any democracy, it must be balanced by strong legal safeguards, active civil oversight, and robust state institutions.

Trinidad and Tobago must continuously balance civil liberties with national security, ensuring that religious freedom is not used as a vehicle for extremism. Otherwise, the very freedoms that enable religious expression can be turned against the state and its citizens.

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