We have been discussing the rollback of free speech in France where writers and speakers are now routinely prosecuted for what would be protected political or religious speech in the United States, including the recent conviction of Robert Menard, mayor of Beziers and a top adviser to Menard was found guilty of inciting hatred against Muslims for complaining about the increasing numbers of Muslim children in French schools. Now Le Pen is again being charged herself. She has been accused of the “distribution of violent images” for sending out tweets depicting ISIS propaganda and violence. It is again an example of France’s denial of free speech and particularly political speech. Regardless of how one feels about Le Pen’s views, these were core political expressions.
The 49-year-old political leaders faces three years in prison and a €75,000 (£66,000) fine.
She was put under investigation after complaints in December 2015 over a series of graphic social media posts , which included a photograph of the decapitated body of US journalist James Foley as well as a tank rolling over a man and a man being burned alive. All were examples of ISIS atrocities.
She wrote “Daesh is THIS!”
In the United States, this would be protected political speech. It should be protected to the same extent in France. However, we have previously discussed the alarming rollback on free speech rights in the West, particularly in France (here and here and here and here and here and here) and England ( here and here and here and here and here and here and here and here and here and here and here). Much of this trend is tied to the expansion of hate speech and non-discrimination laws, including the targeting . We have even seen comedians targeted with such court orders under this expanding and worrisome trend. (here and here).
Thanks to Putin , Trump, and atar ‘Mother of France’ … the white supremacists! The world is becoming diverse and the white supremacists are becoming a thing of the past…boo-hoo!
I’m glad le Pen posted all the gory photos of atrocities. Nobody else has the courage. And if you try to find them, Google won’t let you. You’ll have to dive down deep, deep, deep.
Reblogged this on The Inquiring Mind.
No secret that most of Europe has freedom of speech laws only for certain persons.
OH YES we says this and that on many such things either for our country or other country/countries. Also against this person or against that person. BUT NO ONE LOOKS OTHER SIDE OF MIRROR WHAT’S GOINGS ON IN OWN COUNTRY SO AS SUCH ENTIRE WORLD FACING MANY MANY KIND OF PROBLEMS. NOTHING TO SAY MORE.
At least our Pizza Hut spokesman doesn’t want to “open up those libel laws.”
U-S-A U-S-A
A bit tiresome how Americans are so concerned with forcing their values, even their constitution, upon other countries. The American constitution is uniquely American and it would be wonderful if you applied it on your own country first. Let other countries find their own way – or face criticism about the monstrum you have living in the White House right now. After chastising and pathologizing the Germans for over 80 years about why they voted for Hitler, you eventually put a stinking foot in your own mouth. Focus on how to correct that. You are the laughting stock around the entire world now – beating your chest for decades about being the world’s largest democracy (where in average only 50% vote) and what did you use your “freedom” to? Your uneducated, FOX watching, plebeians used their “freedom” to vote for the most disturbing man that ever been a president in any country, in the entire world history, bigly. At least Hitler didn’t have the nuclear codes to his disposal. Have a good day.
I hear you.
AnDopio-After reading your post we apparently have elected the best Man we could have.
PS: The next time you’re country is overrun by Nazi’s, Fascist, Communists or some other group of animals call the Swiss for help.
Mmmmm Nazies and Communists mix like oil and water- get your a international Relations book out or stay ignorant!
Your uneducated, FOX watching, plebeians used their “freedom” to vote for the most disturbing man that ever been a president in any country, in the entire world history, bigly.
Well, since you put it that way…you’re welcome!
Selective enforcement, pretending their social problems will go away if they punish those who tell the truth about France’s enemies, in this case terrorists. Many in the French government still cling to the idea that if they are nice to terrorists and those in their society that seek to harm the civilian population they will come to their senses and play nice. You can’t kumbaya your way to peace with an enemy that believes kindness is a sign of weakness to be taken advantage of.
You clearly have never been to France.
Making Stuff Up.
I have been to France, several times.
And for that matter I have family who reside there.
🙂 Well clearly you haven’t been to the same France as Mr. Benson. You describe an authoritarian regime as a negative (it is by the way), and David waves it off as a normal part of life in France.
The government in France is highly centralized. It is a city-state in a way not present in Germany or the UK.
The main push for hate speech prosecutions comes from Islam. Muslims do not allow criticism of their founder or religion.
We must end over backwards concerned for the tender sensibilities of those with primitive beliefs about the nature of reality. Europe is caught in the trap of it’s own political correctness.
The main cause of this is Islam. Muslims allow no criticism of Islam. Then all speech is never free again
Muslims have been speaking before and after long before 9/11. Don’t know where you’ve been but clearly it’s not on planet Earth!!!!
Eventually the French will revolt. It will be too late and probably for the wrong reasons, but they will revolt.
They can thank the EU for this.
How so? There has always been an authoritarian element in France.