The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has rejected the appeal filed by French far-right extremist Eric Zemmour against his conviction for inciting discrimination and religious hatred by insulting Muslims, as it considers that this ruling in no way violated his right to freedom of expression.
Zemmour, the fourth most voted candidate in the last presidential elections, was sentenced to pay a fine after questioning on television the integration capacity of Muslims, equating Islam and terrorism and speaking of Islamic «invasion», among other statements. For Zemmour, Muslims «have to choose between Islam and France».
The ECtHR judges unanimously ruled that France did not violate Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which enshrines freedom of expression, as they agree with the Gallic courts that statements by Zemmour in 2016 «contained defamatory and discriminatory allegations» against the Muslim community.
They have also pointed out that the statements, in their context, after the wave of Islamist attacks suffered by France, were not limited to a mere criticism of Islam but had a «discriminatory intent» with which even Zemmour sought to encourage viewers who witnessed his statements in prime time.
The magistrates also took into account that the fine to which Zemmour was sentenced, of 3,000 euros, «was not excessive» and that limiting the plaintiff’s right to freedom of expression had been «necessary», insofar as «in a democratic society» it can be done «to protect the rights of others».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
