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“Protecting vulnerable groups from hate speech is our duty as a society. However, listening to public fears, I see that we need to pay more attention to debate in public space and public education,” says Evelina Dobrovolska, Member of the Freedom Group and Minister of Justice.
According to members of the Freedom Group, existing criminal law tools are not being used effectively to combat hate speech and vulnerable social groups are constantly harassed. Addressing this pervasive problem requires ensuring that all members of society feel safe and worthy, regardless of their gender, race, nationality, religion, or other reasons.
Delphi recalls that the Minister of Justice, E. Dobrovolska, together with several parliamentarians from different factions of the Seimas, have registered amendments proposing not only criminal but also administrative liability for hate speech.
Before that, the Minister said that the time had come to answer for hate speech, to apply not only criminal but also administrative responsibility. Angry commenters could be fined by the police themselves. These amendments to the law have already been recorded for the spring session at the Seimas.
“Law enforcement agencies do not provide sufficient investigation into these cases and we are well aware that this is a last resort when we are already prosecuting. Certainly not all comments should be subject to criminal liability. To make the distinction clearer, due to the danger of hate speech ”, explained E. Dobrovolska then the proposal.
The Minister proposes to transfer the harassment and contempt to the Code of Administrative Offenses.
The Minister proposes to maintain the direct incitement to hatred and the call to discriminate against a group of people in the Penal Code. Fines for hate speech can range from € 50. If that language is repeated in the comments, and up to 3,000. euros.
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