On April 20, 2012 in a 7-0 decision, the Danish Supreme Court acquitted Lars Hedegaard of violating Article 266(b), the infamous “hate speech” provision of the Danish penal code.
While congratulations are in order (…) the court’s decision leaves Article 266(b) intact—meaning that this is anything but a decided victory for free speech.
There is also the issue that it is the process—being dragged through the courts—that is part of the punishment under provisions like 266(b) and allows for speech-chilling abuse.
