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rug

(82,333 posts)
Wed Sep 26, 2012, 03:34 PM Sep 2012

Egyptian blogger Alber Saber’s arrest shows differences over freedom of speech



MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY/REUTERS - Computer science graduate Alber Saber, 27, gestures inside the cage during his trial in Cairo Sept. 26, 2012. The Egyptian Copt arrested on suspicion of posting an anti-Islam video online that ignited Muslim protests around the world will stand trial on charges of insulting religions.

By William Booth
Updated: Wednesday, September 26, 10:01 AM
The Washington Post

CAIRO — Egyptian blogger Alber Saber appeared in court here Wednesday, standing in a cage, pale and skinny, wearing jailhouse whites, his head shaved. He flashed a V for victory sign with his fingers to the spectators. His mother wept.

The 27-year-old computer science major, a few credits shy of his college degree, from a Coptic Christian family, was arrested two weeks ago on charges of disdaining religion and ridiculing religious beliefs and rituals.

After a mob of his neighbors laid siege to his home, and after he was arrested by police, media reports suggested that Saber had posted a link to the infamous YouTube video “Innocence of Muslims” on Facebook.

The arrest points to stark differences in law and attitude regarding freedom of expression, especially as applied to religion, in the Middle East and the United States.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egyptian-blogger-alber-sabers-arrest-shows-differences-over-freedom-of-speech/2012/09/26/b5cfb272-07dd-11e2-afff-d6c7f20a83bf_story.html
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Egyptian blogger Alber Saber’s arrest shows differences over freedom of speech (Original Post) rug Sep 2012 OP
people with weak faith in their own beliefs can only use threats and fear nt msongs Sep 2012 #1
Not sure what would happen in the UK dipsydoodle Sep 2012 #2
The uneven application of the law should lead to close scrutiny and, hopefully, repeal. cbayer Sep 2012 #3

dipsydoodle

(42,239 posts)
2. Not sure what would happen in the UK
Wed Sep 26, 2012, 03:50 PM
Sep 2012

regarding re-posting what amounts to hate videos from elsewhere but the posters posted yesterday on the NY subway wouldn't be allowed here.

Covered by this :

Hate speech laws in the United Kingdom are found in several statutes. Expressions of hatred toward someone on account of that person's colour, race, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origin, religion, or sexual orientation is forbidden.[1][2][3] Any communication which is threatening, abusive or insulting, and is intended to harass, alarm, or distress someone is forbidden.[4] The penalties for hate speech include fines, imprisonment, or both.[5]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/12/anti-gay-adverts-boris-johnson

That's why for example this was pulled almost immediately off the side of our buses :



And replaced just as quickly by these posters.

cbayer

(146,218 posts)
3. The uneven application of the law should lead to close scrutiny and, hopefully, repeal.
Wed Sep 26, 2012, 03:57 PM
Sep 2012

This reminds me of the Louisiana legislator that lobbied for religiously based charter schools, but didn't realize that meant there would also be schools run by Muslims.

The blinders of those that think that laws about religion only apply to their religion can be pretty striking.

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