November 12, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission has welcomed the decision by the European Court of Human Rights to uphold the conviction of French comedian Dieudonné M’bala M’bala on hate crime charges for which he was fined 10,000 euros. Europe’s top human rights court rejected the appeal by Dieudonne, ruling that the right to free expression does not protect anti-Semitism, anti-Semitic comments or Holocaust denial. The conviction in the French courts stemmed from a 2009 performance in which Dieudonné invited a Holocaust denier onstage to receive a prize from an actor dressed in striped pyjamas resembling a concentration camp uniform, with a yellow star bearing the word “Jew.” The prize was a three-branch candelabrum with three apples on top.
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“We agree with the European Court of Human Rights conclusion that the 2009 performance, for which Dieudonné was convicted, was a “demonstration of hatred and anti-Semitism and support for Holocaust denial”. Dieudonné, who has been fined multiple times for anti-Semitic speech, is known for his anti-Jewish prejudice and for using his performances to express his vile views. His shows often feature praise for Adolf Hitler, the “quenelle”— the Nazi salute in reverse which he created— Holocaust denial and slurs against the Talmud. In his first feature film L’Antisémite, partly funded by the Iranian government, Dieudonné says, “It’s clear the Jews control everything — media, finance, politics. We no longer have a choice” and “we must exterminate them.”. While the ADC champions free speech, we once again concur with the court’s decision that, “Disguised as an artistic production, the performance was in fact as dangerous as a head-on and sudden attack” and was not protected under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human rights which guarantees the right to freedom of expression. Words can kill, and when hateful rhetoric and virulent incitement are cloaked as entertainment, we must all recognise that there are necessary limits to any speech.”
For more information, please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 03 9272-5677