Hate speech is an expression directed against groups with so-called protected characteristics (e.g. religion, race, sexual orientation etc.). With the developments of information and communication technology, hate speech is becoming more and more widespread. In this diploma thesis, we provide a systematic overview of the occurrence, treatment, and restriction of hate speech in Slovenia. We rely on secondary sources of literature and two expert interviews. Firstly, we analyze the definition of hate speech and the reasons for its emergence. Additionally, we are interested in the relationship between freedom of speech and prosecutable hate speech. Next, we focus on hate speech on the Internet, its regulation, and the corresponding case-law. We discuss the corresponding broader European framework and the situation in Slovenia. We also present other initiatives that fight against the spread of hate speech. The
findings show that hate speech is spreading fast particularly because of the expansion of information and communication technologies. The activities that fight against hate speech and the related law enforcement process are adapting to this situation only with a certain lag. Furthermore, for effective combat against hate speech the legal actions need to be complemented also with the active participation from other stakeholders, especially social networks and civil society.
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