Menu
21/07/2008
Africa Article May Spark Investigation
The Garda is to be asked to investigate if an article on the plight of Africa breaches Ireland's laws on incitement to hatred.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) are planning an official complaint to Garda about the publication of what it considers to be a racially offensive article in The Irish Independent, last Thursday.
The article 'Africa is giving nothing to anyone – apart from AIDS', is said to be a damning criticism of the world's approach to the problems still faced by Africa since the ground-breaking Band Aid fund-raising campaign in 1988.
However, the ICI believe the story breached section 2 of the Incitement to Hatred Act which says it is an offence to publish or distribute written material if it is threatening, abusive or insulting and intended to, or is likely to, stir up hatred.
Chief Executive of ICI Denise Charlton said: "We believe the published article does not just overstep the boundary of common decency – it triple jumps right past that – but it also crosses the legal boundaries.
"The issue at stake here has nothing to do with freedom of speech or expression. It is about respect for, and the upholding of, Ireland's laws.
"Journalism, like any other profession, operates within the framework of the rule of law in Ireland," she said.
A complaint is expected to be lodged with An Garda Síochána on Monday and in addition, the ICI will lodge an official complaint about the article with the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism.
(DW)
The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) are planning an official complaint to Garda about the publication of what it considers to be a racially offensive article in The Irish Independent, last Thursday.
The article 'Africa is giving nothing to anyone – apart from AIDS', is said to be a damning criticism of the world's approach to the problems still faced by Africa since the ground-breaking Band Aid fund-raising campaign in 1988.
However, the ICI believe the story breached section 2 of the Incitement to Hatred Act which says it is an offence to publish or distribute written material if it is threatening, abusive or insulting and intended to, or is likely to, stir up hatred.
Chief Executive of ICI Denise Charlton said: "We believe the published article does not just overstep the boundary of common decency – it triple jumps right past that – but it also crosses the legal boundaries.
"The issue at stake here has nothing to do with freedom of speech or expression. It is about respect for, and the upholding of, Ireland's laws.
"Journalism, like any other profession, operates within the framework of the rule of law in Ireland," she said.
A complaint is expected to be lodged with An Garda Síochána on Monday and in addition, the ICI will lodge an official complaint about the article with the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
How Ireland Became the European Hub for US Tech Firms
Over the last thirty years, Ireland has slowly and steadily become a global centre for business. In the modern era, it is a technology hub where the biggest companies in the world have chosen to make a home. Dublin is the centre of this, but other major cities like Cork are also alive with innovation.
How Ireland Became the European Hub for US Tech Firms
Over the last thirty years, Ireland has slowly and steadily become a global centre for business. In the modern era, it is a technology hub where the biggest companies in the world have chosen to make a home. Dublin is the centre of this, but other major cities like Cork are also alive with innovation.
13 December 2013
Ryanair Sue Pilots Group And Union
The IMPACT trade union, the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA) and IALPA president Evan Cullen are being sued by Ryanair over public comments alleging that the airlines fuel policy affects its safety practices. The airline has said that the comments were defamatory.
Ryanair Sue Pilots Group And Union
The IMPACT trade union, the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA) and IALPA president Evan Cullen are being sued by Ryanair over public comments alleging that the airlines fuel policy affects its safety practices. The airline has said that the comments were defamatory.
28 January 2013
Varadkar Claims 'No Breakdown' On ECB Debt-Deal
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has insisted there is "no breakdown" between the Government and the European Central Bank (ECB). His comment follows a senior minister allegedly admitting that a number of issues have arisen between the government and the ECB over the Coalition's drive to secure a deal on Anglo Irish Bank debt.
Varadkar Claims 'No Breakdown' On ECB Debt-Deal
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has insisted there is "no breakdown" between the Government and the European Central Bank (ECB). His comment follows a senior minister allegedly admitting that a number of issues have arisen between the government and the ECB over the Coalition's drive to secure a deal on Anglo Irish Bank debt.
03 October 2012
Reilly Denies Wrongdoing Over Healthcare Centres
The Minister for Health James Reilly has denied any impropriety on his part over the location of proposed primary healthcare centres. A report in the Irish Independent this morning claims property developer Seamus Murphy, who is a supporter of Mr Reilly, owns the site in the minister's constituency where the health centre is to be built.
Reilly Denies Wrongdoing Over Healthcare Centres
The Minister for Health James Reilly has denied any impropriety on his part over the location of proposed primary healthcare centres. A report in the Irish Independent this morning claims property developer Seamus Murphy, who is a supporter of Mr Reilly, owns the site in the minister's constituency where the health centre is to be built.
12 April 2010
Ryanair Seeks Journalist's Flat
Ryanair have announced it is "seeking possession" of the flat and contents of a London journalist after she wagered no one "enjoyed" flying with the budget airline.
Ryanair Seeks Journalist's Flat
Ryanair have announced it is "seeking possession" of the flat and contents of a London journalist after she wagered no one "enjoyed" flying with the budget airline.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
