Results for: Hate speech

X, owned by Elon Musk, has filed an appeal in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals against the dismissal of its lawsuit against the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). The lawsuit claimed that CCDH’s research on hate speech on Twitter, now owned by X, was scaring advertisers away and costing the company millions in revenue. The initial case was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in March, who stated that it was evident that X sued CCDH to silence critics and punish them for their speech.

In response to a petition filed by activist Jameel Merchant, the Maharashtra Police informed the Bombay High Court that criminal cases have been registered against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and MLA Geeta Jain for alleged hate speeches in various parts of Mumbai. Rane’s alleged remarks were made during a public rally in Malwani on March 3, while Jain’s offensive statements were reportedly made in the Mira-Bhayander area. Despite complaints being filed against Rane and Jain, no action was initially taken. However, FIRs have now been registered against both MLAs, as well as the rally organizer in Malwani. The police have stated that the cases are being investigated.

Civil society organizations in Karnataka have filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, seeking strict action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged divisive and hateful remarks against the Muslim community during his election campaign in Rajasthan. The delegation accused Modi of spreading false information, inciting hatred, and promoting dangerous stereotypes of Muslims. They demanded his disqualification and a ban on his election campaign. The CEO, Manoj Kumar Meena, said he would forward the complaint to the Election Commission of India, but any further action was beyond his jurisdiction.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has condemned antisemitism on campuses, particularly at Columbia University, where a week-long protest encampment has sparked concerns. The protest, demanding divestment from Israel, has resulted in student suspensions and arrests. Cardona emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and denounced hate speech, including anti-Semitism, anti-Arabism, and anti-Muslim sentiment. While lawmakers have called for the resignation of Columbia’s president, Cardona did not specify his position. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into Columbia under Title VI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent election speech in Rajasthan has come under fire for spreading fear and misinformation about India’s Muslim community. Modi claimed that the Congress party plans to seize Hindu land, savings, and even women’s jewelry, and give them to Muslims. He also called Muslims “infiltrators” and accused them of having too many children. These claims are not supported by facts and have been widely condemned as dangerous and divisive.

The Congress party has announced its intention to pursue legal remedies after the Election Commission of India failed to act on its complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his ‘redistribution of wealth’ remarks. The party has accused the prime minister of making hate speeches and targeting a particular religious community. The complaint was filed after Mr. Modi claimed at a rally that the Congress manifesto promised ‘redistribution’ of wealth after conducting a survey.

The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that FIRs have been registered against two MLAs, Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain, for allegedly making hate speeches during and after communal clashes in January. The court had directed police commissioners to investigate potential hate speech offenses, which resulted in four FIRs being filed. The petitioners had sought action under various Indian Penal Code provisions, including those related to provocation, promoting enmity, and defiling places of worship.

Following his 2022 statement on Meta’s temporary hate speech policy changes amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone has been sentenced to six years in prison in absentia by Russia. Stone’s remarks, which allowed for violent speech directed at Russian forces, have resulted in legal consequences amidst heightened international tensions.

A recent report by the American Jewish Committee found that 94% of Jews and 74% of all U.S. adults perceive antisemitism as a serious problem. During the week leading up to Passover, the Combat Antisemitism Movement detailed numerous shocking anti-Semitic incidents in March 2024. Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League reported 3,300 anti-Semitic incidents in the final quarter of last year, including physical assaults, vandalism, harassment, and support for terrorism. College campuses have become a particular area of concern, with students facing alarming instances of intimidation and violence. Jewish leaders express deep concern over the escalation of extremist rhetoric and calls for violence, emphasizing that such behavior is not legitimate political speech but rather hate speech targeting Jews. The ongoing situation in Gaza, where Hamas holds 130 hostages, further heightens these concerns.

India’s opposition party accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hate speech after he referred to Muslims as ‘infiltrators’ and accused them of having more children for wealth distribution. The Election Commission of India is investigating the allegations.