Crime

Police say a man waved a terror group’s flag. Here’s why it may be difficult to prosecute as a hate crime Prosecuting man who allegedly waved flag of group deemed a terrorist entity an 'uphill battle,' expert says

(CBC) The charge of public incitement of hatred against a Toronto man alleged to have held up what police called a “terrorist” flag during a demonstration last weekend could be difficult to prosecute and highlights the challenges of defining hate crimes, some […]

Demonstrations

Denmark’s Quran-burning ban draws sharp criticism Denmark now bows to the demands of dictatorial Middle Eastern regimes, Danish People’s Party MP Mikkel Bjørn Sørensen said.

(European Conservative) The decision taken by the left-liberal majority in the Danish parliament, the Folketing, late last week to ban public Quran burning has garnered sharp criticism from both domestic politicians and political leaders in neighboring Scandinavian countries, with many arguing the […]

Academics & Education

Paty murder trial shines a light on France’s democracy Six minors are standing trial in Paris for their alleged role in the killing of a teacher. But some feel the authorities are missing this opportunity to examine the state of freedom of expression in France.

(Deutsche Welle) The killing of French history teacher Samuel Paty on October 16, 2020, left the country in deep shock. And yet, some feel the first court case on the alleged role of six minors in the attack is failing to bring about […]

Demonstrations

MOT: Russia planned Islamophobic campaigns in Finland, Sweden to delay Nato membership The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) confirms that they were aware of the Russian intelligence service's plans to incite such demonstrations.

(Yle) Russia made plans to disrupt Finland and Sweden’s accession to joining Nato, according to a secret intelligence report obtained by an Yle MOT investigation. The report found that a Russian intelligence service planned to organise disruption campaigns disguised as demonstrations before […]

Demonstrations

Danish opposition parties ask MPs to ensure parliament attendance to reject bill banning Quran burning Government's bill expected to be moved for voting during current parliamentary session, which begins after autumn recess

(Anadolu) Five Danish opposition parties announced on Tuesday that they will mobilize as many of their MPs as possible to oppose the government’s bill to criminalize defaming religious symbols, including the Muslim holy book, Quran. The bill is expected to be moved […]

Academics & Education

Judge tosses four of five claims related to art history dispute at Hamline University, keeps case in federal court Erika López Prater, an art history professor, lost her teaching position at Hamline after showing images of the Prophet Muhammad in class. A federal judge will allow her religious discrimination claim to proceed.

(Sahan Journal) A lawsuit against Hamline University by a former art history professor will remain in federal court, U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez ruled Friday. But she dismissed four of the professor’s five claims that stemmed from a campus dispute last winter. […]

Arts & Entertainment

Censored for ‘safety’: Swedish cultural centre cancels Iran-critical artist MEP Charlie Weimers: 'It is pure censorship. Ahmadi makes it clear that this is not a criticism of Islam but of political Islam, veiling, and the regime in Iran.'

(European Conservative) After her art exhibition was shut down over safety concerns by a Swedish cultural centre, artist Sadaf Ahmadi has been invited to Brussels by Sweden Democrats (SD) MEP Charlie Weimers to display her sculptures of women wearing the Islamic chador. […]

Demonstrations

Turkish president receives members of US Muslim council in Ankara President Erdogan asks delegation to tell US Congress, other political circles about dangers of Islamophobia during meeting at Presidential Complex

(Anadolu) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that attacks on the Quran cannot be “defended with the excuse of freedom of expression” and that such acts “target social peace and stability” during talks with a delegation from the US Council of […]

Books

Rushdie probe expands overseas

(Semafor) The investigation into last year’s near-fatal attack on the Indian-British writer Salman Rushdie has expanded to examine potential international involvement in the crime, the district attorney overseeing the case in rural New York told Semafor. Jason Schmidt said his office in […]

Demonstrations

Majority of Swedes favor ban on Quran burning: survey Increase in public support comes as government looking to discuss regulation that would prevent provocative acts of targeting Muslim holy book

(Anadolu) Swedes who want a ban to be introduced for burning the Quran and other holy books have increased to 53%, two points higher than the previous poll. The latest survey was conducted by the Swedish opinion poll company SIFO. Some 37% […]