April 10th, 2012
In 2005 Flemming Rose commissioned the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed that sparked protests and riots across the world.
In an exclusive book extract, Rose explains why bans on hate speech across Europe are based on a false understanding of its role in the Holocaust
Tags: Tags: anti-Semitism, censorship, Flemming Rose, George Orwell, Germany, hate speech, holocaust, Islam, nazi, Nuremberg, racial discrimination, self-censorship,
January 11th, 2012
After ultra-orthodox Jews used concentration camp symbolism in a protest against secular authorities, a new bill seeks to control use of Nazi-era imagery. Daniella Peled reports
Tags: Tags: Daniella Peled, holocaust, holocaust imagery, Israel, nazi, ultra-orthodox jews,
July 14th, 2010
The High Court ruling against the controversial disc jockey acknowledged Jon Gaunt’s right to free speech, but failed to uphold it, says Liberty’s Corinna Ferguson
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Tags: Tags: free speech, Jon Gaunt, nazi, ofcom,
July 13th, 2010
On 13 July, radio presenter Jon Gaunt, lost his judicial review against Ofcom’s decision to censure him for describing a councillor as a Nazi. Ofcom had found a breach of the broadcasting code after Gaunt accused Redbridge Councillor Michael Stark of being a “Nazi”, “health Nazi” and an “ignorant pig” during a live debate on talkSPORT about a policy banning smokers from becoming foster parents. However, despite the ruling the High Court established significant free speech rights for broadcasters. It recognised that “shock jock” style presenting constitutes political speech and thus must be afforded a great deal of protection. Furthermore, the term “Nazi” could and was used as political slang without denoting a political or ideological position. However, OFCOM’s initial verdict was upheld because Gaunt “lost his rag” and gratuitously offended the councillor by describing him as a an “ignorant pig”. Gaunt intends to appeal the decision.Tags: Tags: freedom of expression, Jon Gaunt, nazi, ofcom, political speech, radio,
July 27th, 2009
Jürgen Rieger, the vice-president of Germany’s far right NDP party, has submitted plans to open a museum intended to celebrate the Third Reich’s “Strength through Joy” programme. But critics have accused Rieger of using the museum as a way to spread pro-Nazi propaganda. Ralf Schmidt, a spokesman for the city, said: “We will use every legal means at our disposal to stop this from becoming a reality.” Read more hereTags: Tags: Germany, Jürgen Rieger, nazi, ndp,
July 24th, 2009
German prosecutors have decided to take no action against an artist who created a garden gnome raising its right arm in a Nazi salute. They say the gold-painted gnome was mocking the Nazis rather than promoting their return. However, the prosecutors in Nuremburg, warned against any attempt to copy the idea behind the exhibit. Read more hereJuly 20th, 2009
A garden gnome giving the Nazi salute has landed a German artist in trouble with the authorities in Nuremberg. Prosecutors are investigating whether the gnome, which went on show in one of the city’s galleries, breaks the strict law banning Nazi symbols and gestures. The 59-year-old artist, Ottmar Hoerl, has been president of Nuremberg’s Academy of Fine Arts since 2005. Read more here