French Law Bars Violent Video Distribution

(AP)  A new law in France makes it a crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for anyone who is not a professional journalist to film real-world violence and distribute the images on the Internet.

Critics call it a clumsy, near-totalitarian effort by authorities to battle "happy slapping" — the youth fad of filming violent acts — which most often they have provoked themselves, and spreading the images on the Web or between mobile phones.

The measure, tucked deep into a vast anti-crime law that took effect Wednesday, took media advocates by surprise with what they say is an undesirable side effect: trampling on freedom of expression.

Experts said the law is the first of its kind in Europe. France made headlines years ago by ordering U.S.-based online company Yahoo Inc. to pay a fine of about $15 million for displaying Nazi memorabilia for sale, in violation of French law.

The new provision takes on "happy slapping," a phenomenon whose name belies the gravity of the attacks. It mostly involves youths, and the victims often are strangers.

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[gwlafayette]

this law is disgusting. the real reason France is pushing it is because they dont want people to see the footage of african and muslim immigrants that have been burning the country, attacking and raping people, and demanding free food and shelter. they are afraid of the backlash that will inevitably come against those who are threatening the natives.

[Syndicate]

Some one should challenge this law in the European courts. Lets see what they truly think of free speach.

Tomas Jefferson said We will not need the second amendmant until they try to take it away.

As long as we have a few well armed pysocpaths out there we will remain free.