21 August 2025
Palestine Action, Proscription and Proportionality
In July, the UK government has decided to proscribe the organisation Palestine Action. The order means that people are criminalised not just for expressing support for terrorist acts, but for the proscribed organisation. As a result, over 500 people were reportedly arrested at a protest in London on 9 August. Whether the decision pushes anti-terrorism law too far and violates freedom of expression will be assessed by the courts at a later date. If the decision survives a legal challenge, it could pave the way for proscription to be used in relation to a broader range of groups in future. Continue reading >>
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25 July 2024
Freedom to Discuss Religion Between Facts and Opinions
In a recent televised discussion in Turkey, two Youtube-influencers have discussed Sharia law and Muhammad’s marriage with Aisha. This has caused strong reactions on social media. Moreover, after a public statement of the Justice Minister, a criminal investigation has been initiated. I argue that such statements should enjoy the full protection of freedom of expression. However, I criticise the distinction between “statements of fact and value judgements” as introduced by the ECtHR in case E.S. v Austria. Continue reading >>
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