'Islamophobia' and the law: Belgian hate speech legislation and the wilful destruction of the Koran. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vrielink, Jogchum
• Is Part Of: International journal of discrimination and the law. Volume 14:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: Hate speech -- incitement -- symbolic speech -- Islamophobia -- Koran -- racism; Discrimination -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; 342.085
• DOI: 10.1177/1358229113500418
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1358-2291

Abstract

In Belgium a man was convicted for incitement to racial hatred and discrimination because he publicly tore up a Koran, before the eyes of a small group of Muslims. The case fits within a wider development of increasing legal sensitivity to 'Islamophobia'. This development, however, has several problematic aspects and implications, as is illustrated by a detailed analysis of the case.