The common law crime of defamation has been abolished!
South Africa has followed a trend in the democratic world to repeal the common law crime of defamation. Governments and leaders can use it to punish criticism and insults. But, is the government banking on the Hate Speech Bill to do some of the work of criminal defamation?
Crusade against ‘Islamophobia’ is creating a blasphemy law by the back door - warnings from the UK
Our associate organisation, the Free Speech Union in the UK, commissioned an essay about how the defining of "Islamophobia" could have a chilling effect on free speech. It could also introduce a blasphemy law through the backdoor. The implications could have resonance in South African, particularly due to the hostility of the ANC to Israel.
A frightening blow to science and free speech
A climate scientist sued a layman for defamation claiming that he had damaged his career and reputation with his articles mocking his scientific claims. The scientist won and, according to Andrew Kenny, that he did was a miscarriage of justice.
Press Release: Vigilance needed in testing ANC’s election strategy ‘regime-change’ claims
The ANC, including President Ramaphosa, Minister of International Affairs, Naledi Pandor, and Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola are making public comments that seek to use conspiracy theories and other shallow observations to imply that the ANC's failure at the polls will be the fault of the Israelis, and by implication, the Jews.
2024: A message from the Free Speech Union of South Africa (FSU SA)
This new year's message is our view on possible challenges to free speech to watch out for in 2024. Between the national and provincial election expected in May, and legislation awaiting the president's signature to turn them into law, complacency is not an option.
Press release: Cowardice of Cricket South Africa undermines free speech in South Africa
FSU SA say that CSA has brought South Africa into disrepute by demoting David Teeger from the captaincy of the U19 Cricket World Cup squad. The tournament is currently underway.
For freedom’s sake, Ramaphosa must reject hate crimes, hate speech Bill – FSU SA
The 'hate speech bill' criminalises hate speech, which circumscribes free speech. But how do we decide what hate speech is in order to criminalise it?
Sustaining free speech, confronting hate
The global protests over the Israel/Hamas war have brought to the fore the debate about whether there are limits to free speech. Sara suggests that marches should not be banned because of the hate speech, antisemitism and racism that has been expressed by marches over the past few weeks. The marches provide information necessary to tackle the issues raised and the ordinary law can be employed to deal with incitement, threats to violence and actual violence.
