This panel discussion, held on October 6, 2025, explored Hate Speech and the European Court of Human Rights, the recent book by Natalie Alkiviadou (Book Review here). The book examines the Court’s approach to hate speech and argues for a stronger and more consistent protection of freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The research highlights the contrast between the landmark case Handyside v. the United Kingdom—which affirmed that freedom of expression protects not only popular opinions but also those that shock, offend, or disturb—and the Court’s subsequent case law, which has often introduced contradictions and restrictive interpretations. By tracing these developments, it demonstrates how the Court has applied inconsistent standards to different forms of “hate speech,” leaving gaps in protection and creating uncertainty for states and individuals alike. The study also situates this jurisprudence within current challenges, including the regulation of online speech by governments, the European Union, and social media platforms, underscoring how these dynamics risk contributing to a broader decline in freedom of expression across Europe.
The panel consisted in a discussion with the author and leading experts on hate speech internationally. Human rights lawyers from Europe, the United States, and India analyzed the evolving jurisprudence on hate speech and its intersections with defamation and incitement, particularly in the context of political polarization, the growth of digital communication, and the capacity of online platforms to foment offline violence, as seen in Charlottesville and the January 6 U.S. Capitol riots.
The panel also addressed key questions: How do courts distinguish offensive expression from true threats? What thresholds of harm may justify legal restrictions in today’s technological environment? And how can regulation, even if well-intentioned, risk creating a chilling effect, silencing marginalized voices, or amplifying hateful discourse?
Natalie Alkiviadou is a Senior Research Fellow at The Future of Free Speech. Her research interests lie in the freedom of expression, the far-right, hate speech, hate crime, and non-discrimination.