David Irvin is a holocaust denier who has been jailed in Austria for four years. I'm not a holocaust denier, my father survived the holocaust, so I know it happened. What I'm concerned about is the precident being set here--that someone can be thrown in jail for writing a book that contradicts the popular view of history. Patrick Henry said "I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it", and I feel the same way because it may be him today, but tomorrow it could be anyone who has something different and possibly controversial to say. Is it right for someone to be thrown in jail for writing a book?
2007-02-07 03:59:34 · 11 answers · asked by everythinguknowiswrong 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I totally agree with you! I know that the Holocaust happened and I think it's deplorable that some people actually deny it. That being said, though, I also am a strong believer in freedom of speech, and if one person can be put in prison for saying or writing the wrong thing, then ANYONE can be.
2007-02-07 04:04:11 · answer #1 · answered by tangerine 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-06-13 12:39:01 · answer #2 · answered by Hester 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no precedent being set with Irving, not 'here' nor in Austria. Germany and Austria are the perpetrators of one of humankind's greatest nightmares, as you, alas, well know. They know all too well the humiliating power of propaganda. They have decided how they must deal with nazis, neonazis, and holocaust deniers. Bully for them. Irving by no means sets a precedent, as the laws and their enforcement began way before him.
2007-02-07 04:05:11 · answer #3 · answered by t jefferson 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Denying the Holocaust and minimizing Hitler's crimes are considered crimes in many countries in Europe ,US and Israel...
As far as I am concerned people shouldn't be put in jail for denying the Holocaust...So I don't think Irving should be in jail...Everyone is free to think and say whatever they want...So if people don't want to believe what is in front of their eyes,that's their business...it isn't a crime not to believe in something...
2007-02-07 04:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by Tinkerbell05 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
big violation of free speech. Obviously Austria and Germany have had to forfeit free speech from Zionist pressure, What a shame !
2007-02-07 04:39:12 · answer #5 · answered by adambomb928 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I apologize for my ignorance, but by what charge has he been jailed? He would need to be officially charged with something, as simple denial is not illegal.
As for my opinion...being jailed for free speech is not right or just. At least not in Canada or the US. I'm not up to date with Austrian law, so I may be missing something there. But it is a dangerous practice, to incarcerate an individual for their thoughts and beliefs. Actions are different...but thoughts and beliefs should not be legislated.
2007-02-07 04:10:28 · answer #6 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I can't see a reason for him to be in prison, the right to free speech should be universally guaranteed.
Most societies seem to self-regulate enough that if someone does claim something completely off base they will be criticised for it, much like Irving was in the British and European press before he was jailed.
2007-02-07 04:09:50 · answer #7 · answered by msharp00 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There must be more to it than merely writing a book, this was a country ravished by Nazism and the book sounds like propaganda.
2007-02-07 04:12:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
David Irving Prison
2017-03-02 08:38:09 · answer #9 · answered by strandberg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. Simply expressing an opinion shouldn't be illegal, regardless of how perverse the opinion is. Shame on Austria.
2007-02-07 04:05:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋