Freedoms and Liberties

In Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean country, a Canadian YouTuber was charged with sedition and ordered to turn in his passport at court. The “Chris Must List” account of Christopher Arthur Hughes is well-known for its films featuring him visiting hazardous locations all over the world. CANADIAN YouTuber Christopher “Chris Must List” Hugh has been arrested under the Anti-Gang Act.

Videos of Trinidad that was removed from his YouTube account and shared on the Chris Must List social media sites seemed to show Mr. Hughes in places that the local authorities label as “hot spots” because of their high crime rates. Off-camera, he can be heard or seen interviewing members of different Trinidadian while they brandished assault rifles and handguns. A man asks the camera, “Want to see toys?” as he displays his high-capacity firearm in a video posted on the Chris Must List Instagram page. “Actually. Here, we don’t play out.”

A summary trial may be suggested by the prosecution, giving the defendant some choices. A magistrate would decide the case if he chooses that path. However, Mr. Hughes could choose to have the High Court examine his case, which would entail harsher penalties while they brandished assault rifles and handguns.

Canadian YouTuber Christopher “Chris Must List” Hughes is thanking his fans for their support after receiving a $100,000 bail and getting released from jail. The 45-year-old travel vlogger, who spent several weeks in Trinidad and Tobago filming, among other things, gang culture and violence, was charged with sedition last week. After appearing in court before Master Margaret Sookraj-Goswami on June 3rd, he was freed on bail the following evening, having been arrested the previous week.

Criston J. Williams, Hughes’ previous attorney, legally resigned from his representation and chose to extend “hospitality” until June 6, the date Hughes is scheduled to appear in court again. On June 3, Hughes uploaded a picture of himself to YouTube late at night with the caption, “Freedom at last!!!” Thank you to all of my subscribers worldwide for their love and support; I’m now free on bond. I cherish each and every one of you! I am grateful to each and every one of you!”

The post has received over 700 comments and over 3,000 likes.

“As a Trini, I am angry and embarrassed,” a commenter from Trinidad and Tobago stated. I hope your legal matter proceeds quickly and fairly. I’m glad you’re out.”

“This is exactly what the people who you interviewed were talking about,” a Guyanese fan commented. They experience the same kind of discrimination. You have not only heard their cries, but you have also personally felt their pain. I hope your lawsuit is dropped. From Guyana, with love.”

Prior to his release, Hughes’s family kept his followers informed on his YouTube account. Following his arrest, all of his films from Trinidad and Tobago—including those unrelated to gangs—were set to private on YouTube. Nevertheless, he re-released one of his videos, Port of Spain Peace Walk: ‘A Mother’s Cry’ Demands End to Gang Violence, following his release. With more than 61,000 views.

Additionally, Hughes is supported by a change.org petition called “Family’s plea to free Chris Must List from Trinidad.”

So far, more than 1,700 people have signed.