Two recent incidents, one in Italy and one in Greece, have confirmed fears that the freedom of speech and expression in the European Union has been endangered by the European Parliament’s resolution on hate speech, reports the Brussels Signal.
Whereas in the past, hate speech had to do with incitement to violent actions, it now relates to insulting somebody’s “human dignity”, which makes the criteria for identifying it open to political manipulation.
According to the Brussels Signal this legislation “entails a potential crackdown on any “dissident” who refuses to accept an agenda of demographic substitution, Islamic invasion or LGBTQ frenzy. Even without such a legal framework in place, the threat is clear”.
Reinforcing concerns that this bill would endanger dissident viewpoints, last month, two people, one in Italy and one in Greece, were apprehended on the basis of this legislation.
In Italy, Antonio Mastantuono, the creator and administrator of X account Radio Genoa had his home raided by the Carabinieri. His PC, iPad and phone sim card were confiscated, his google account and X profile were shut down and he was accused of inciting hatred on X and on a Telegram channel – which ended up not being his.
Radio Genoa is an X account that mostly posts videos of illegal immigrants committing criminal activities. Because of its provocative and controversial material, it has gained widespread popularity. Elon Musk has since reinstated the account.
Responding to the raid on his home, Mastantuono stated that he has “only published real videos with factual descriptions.
“The reality is that they are trying to silence me because I speak uncomfortable truths that go against the dominant narrative. However, free speech is my right, and I will continue to exercise it.”
While one may not approve of Mastantuono’s content, it is certainly compatible with conventional conceptions of freedom of speech.
Similarly, in Greece, Nektarios Mikkios, a 34-year-old Christian activist from Macedonia, was recently arrested for calling for a peaceful protest against the Europride LGBTQ events which took place in Thessaloniki.
Speaking on FocusFM last Thursday, Mikkios invited people who feel offended by sexual acts and public nudity to gather outside a church to express their opposition. Mikkios stressed the non-violent nature of the demonstration and emphasised that insults toward the LGBTQ community would not be tolerated.
“A few hours later, police stormed his apartment, ramming his door, arresting him and charging him with violating laws regarding “insubordination” and “hate speech.” Mikkios spent the weekend in jail and was brought to court on Monday.”
It’s worth noting that both Italy and Greece have centre-right governments. While EPP Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ party is significantly more progressive than Melioni, both incidents demonstrate the continental implications of the EU’s hate speech legislation.
European elites are strengthening their grip on power, treating dissenting voices in an autocratic manner. Increasingly, EU citizens are unable to share facts that contradict government agendas surrounding certain highly-sensitive, but nonetheless political, topics. These latest incidents demonstrate the continental state of this problem.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. Both Mastantuono’s and Mikkios’s cases were supported by ordinary people, journalists and politicians. Through crowdfunding and donations, legal help was provided, and costs were covered. In an increasingly authoritarian climate, European citizens are clubbing together to defend their right to freedom of speech.
Worth reading in full.
