ODIO, PÁNICO Y CENSURA. LA CRIMINALIZACIÓN DEL “DISCURSO DE ODIO”

This book of Professor Rafael Chavero Gazdik shows us, with concrete examples, the enormous arbitrariness that has been generated in Venezuela with the unconstitutional application of the Hate Law. The implementation of this law generated multiple arrests for criticisms of those in power, in clear violation of the right to freedom of expression. The Venezuelan repressive system has deliberately distorted the legitimacy of sanctioning hateful expressions that attack the immutable characteristics of vulnerable people or groups, whether for reasons of race, sex, creed, age or nationality; rather to punish those who express political ideas, which constitute the real core of freedom of expression. The book presents a comparative vision of hate speech and the ways in which it should be sanctioned. The work shows us how this disproportionate and incoherent legislation has been used to generate an unprecedented state of social panic, with a clear violation of the due process of law. The analysis of the cases where this law has been applied shows a significant injustice and allows us to conclude in the urgent need for its repeal. Also, the book presents the most relevant arguments used in international law, to prevent the proliferation of discriminatory ideas, with a brief description of the challenges faced in combating hate speech in the digital age.