Censored. How European 'Hate Speech' Laws are Threatening Freedom of Speech. By Paul Coleman. Despite the importance of freedom of speech and robust public debate, the nation of Europe have all adopted criminal laws against so-called ‘hate speech.’ In Germany, for example, committing an insult is a criminal offence and in Poland offending religious feelings carries a two year prison sentence. In Cyprus, anyone who promotes feelings of ill will may be committing a crime while in Sweden anyone who expresses contempt towards a group of persons may be imprisoned. Across Europe, such laws are readily being used. Ministers of religion have been arrested for preaching sermons form the Bible, journalists have been routinely fined, and even private conversations between citizens have resulted in criminal investigations. Yet remarkably, there appears to be almost unwavering support of ‘hate speech’ laws among major European institutions and non-governmental organizations. Summarizing what appears to be the popular position on ‘hate speech’ laws, tow judges of the European Court of Human Rights recently held that ‘extremist opinions can bring much more harm than restrictions on freedom of expression.’ This book seeks to challenge this prevailing orthodoxy by detailing the stark history of the internationalization of ‘hate speech’ laws, their present day application, and their possible future. Fifty ‘hate speech’ cases are discussed and a fully up-to-date compendium containing hundreds of European ‘hate speech’ laws is included. Paul Coleman serves as Senior Counsel and Deputy Director of ADF International from its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, specializing in international human rights and European law.