PRESS RELEASE - INACH

The International Network Against Cyber Hate (INACH) is appalled and saddened by the terrorist acts that took place last Friday in Norway, committed by an ultra- nationalist/populist who appears to have radicalized under the influence of online hate and who used the internet to spread his ideas and incited to hatred. We express our sympathies to the victims and their families of this tragedy.

Many governments worldwide, including in Europe, have been ignoring the extreme right, ultra-nationalism and populism and their growth on and through the internet. Some have even stated that Neo-Nazism and right wing extremism had become 'insignificant’. The atrocities in Norway should at least teach that we need to focus on all forms of hate and bigotry.

Over the last 10 years, our network and other NGOs and experts have been trying to sensitize governments worldwide to pay attention and take action on the relationship between online incitement to hatred and the resulting hate crime in real life.
Philippe Schmidt, Chair of the INACH network and LICRA Vice-President for International Affairs: “We urge all governments and international institutions like the EU, Council of Europe and the OSCE to make haste with committing resources to counter cyber hate and extremism”.

25/07/2011