Starting November 8 in Israel, scrolling through fake Twitter profiles and viewing so-called terrorist content can land you in jail. Human rights organizations view this as an unlawful interference with the freedom of expression of Israeli Arabs in particular. On the other hand, the Israeli government emphasizes the importance of fighting “lone wolves”.
Starting November 8, viewing “incorrect” content on the Internet may be dangerous in Israel. People who view or read material considered “terrorist material” can be jailed for up to a year. According to reports, the bill prohibits people from “systematically and consistently consuming publications of a terrorist organization in circumstances that suggest identification with the terrorist organization.” Following the “wrong” Twitter accounts may be enough. Meanwhile, the law should not apply if a person reads such a post “by chance, in good faith or for legitimate reasons” such as seeking information.
Anyone who repeatedly watches videos of extremist groups such as Hamas or the “Islamic State” may be suspected of being their benefactor and radicalized by their cause. This has been made possible by the addition of Section 24 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which is initially valid for a period of two years. In addition to the two terrorist groups mentioned above, the Justice Minister may add other organizations to the list at any time with the approval of the Defense Ministry and the Knesset Committee on the Constitution, Law and Justice.
While the law is officially aimed at preventing so-called “lone wolf terrorism” by radicalized individuals, critics also see it as deliberately targeting Israeli Arabs. Human rights organizations in particular view the criminalization of passive media consumption as a line that should not be crossed.
(TagstoTranslate)Anti-terrorism legislation(T)Arab(T)Lone Wolf(T)Israel(T)Freedom of expression(T)Terrorism
