Marla Barret
The issue of hate speech and hate crime is not just an issue of legal framework, but also one of societal values. As you rightly point out in your recent article Len,, the rise of hate speech, especially targeting marginalized groups like immigrants, racial minorities, and women, has been a growing concern across Europe, not only in Portugal.
The measures being introduced by the Judicial Police in Portugal are an encouraging step forward, but the reality remains that many hate crimes go unreported, which suggests there are deeper societal issues at play. The gap between prosecutions and unreported crimes speaks to the difficulty in addressing these deeply ingrained prejudices. This highlights the need for a more proactive approach, not just in law enforcement, but also in education and community outreach.
It's also crucial to recognize the connection between economic and social tensions and the rise of xenophobia. As you mention, the frustration that many local residents feel over housing and job competition can sometimes manifest as scapegoating of immigrant populations. While these issues are valid and deserve attention, it's important to avoid conflating economic insecurity with justifiable hatred. Tackling the root causes, like the housing crisis and inflation, can go a long way toward reducing the fertile ground in which hate speech can thrive.
Finally, the rise of political movements like Chega reminds us of the challenges that come with increasing nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric. In these times, it’s more important than ever to ensure that policies and public discourse promote inclusion and solidarity rather than division and exclusion. The EU-funded anti-hate crime project, alongside the collaboration with civil society, is a promising initiative that could set a strong example for how countries can collectively address this pressing issue.
It’s heartening to see that the Portuguese government is starting to take these matters more seriously, but as you rightly suggest, we must continue to push for comprehensive legislation that tackles both the immediate effects of hate speech and crime, and the deeper social divisions that fuel them.
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