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| Europe |
| Trial of author Oriana Fallaci opens in Italy |
| 2006-06-13 |
| The trial of Italian author and veteran journalist Oriana Fallaci, accused of defaming Islam in a 2004 book, opened Monday in northern Italy and was quickly adjourned, a lawyer said. Fallaci, who lives in New York, did not attend the hearing in Bergamo, northern Italy. Monday's hearing was largely devoted to technicalities, and the proceedings were adjourned to June 26, said Matteo Nicoli, a lawyer for the Muslim activist who brought the lawsuit against Fallaci. Islamic activist Adel Smith, who also was not in court, charged that some passages in Fallaci's book, "The Strength of Reason," were offensive to Islam. His lawyer cited a phrase from the book that refers to Islam as "a pool . . . that never purifies." Last year, a judge ordered Fallaci to stand trial on charges of violating an Italian law that prohibits "outrage" to religion. He cited a passage that reads: "To be under the illusion that there is a good Islam and a bad Islam or not to understand that Islam is only one . . . is against reason." Fallaci told The Associated Press last year that "I have expressed my opinion through the written word through my books, that is all." The offense with which she is charged carries a fine of up to $7,500. A former war correspondent, Fallaci has often stirred controversy with her blunt publications and provocative stances. Her most recent books have drawn accusations she incites hatred against Muslims. A group in France unsuccessfully sought to stop distribution of her best-selling essay "The Rage and the Pride," written as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks. In "The Strength of Reason," Fallaci accuses Europe of having sold its soul to what she describes as an Islamic invasion. Smith is also known for taking radical positions. He gained attention in Italy in 2003 when he sought unsuccessfully to have the crucifix removed from the public elementary school his sons attended. As head of the small Muslim Union of Italy, he has launched numerous legal battles, causing several Islamic organizations to distance themselves. |
| Posted by:ryuge |
| #2 the lights had gone out in Rome |
| Posted by: gromgoru 2006-06-13 15:41 |
| #1 This trial marks the death of freedom of thought, freedom of speech in Western countries other than the US. It's the same in Australia, just a matter of time. You SHOULD be able to defame a religion with impunity because it is a set of ideas that should be open to criticism and debate. What is this the dark ages? It is time people drew a line distinguishing race and racism from religion and culture and realise though you cannot vilify people fairly for physical characteristics over which they have no control (skin colour, race) it is not only fair but mandatory we have the freedom to criticise people for their ideas. Because some religions have whacked out ideas that SHOULD be held up to ridicule. Regardless of whether the religion is big with many adherents or just a tiny cult. |
| Posted by: Anon1 2006-06-13 10:21 |