ENORB COMPLAINS TO LE SOIR FOR ISLAMOPHOBIC REMARKS

Get the Trolls Out! partner for Francaphone Belgium, European Network on Religion and Belief (ENORB) have sent a letter of complaint to La Soir for Islamophobic remarks made in the publication by president of Reformist Movement (MR), Mr. George-Louis Bouchez.

In the article, Mr. Bouches expressed his firm opposition to the authorisation of convictional signs, including wearing the veil (Hijab), in official higher education establishments. He states: “The MR does not want the veil in the higher official network”.

On January 16th, in its news article, La Soir carried over the hateful statements of Mr Bouches about the recent authorisation of convictional signs, and in particular the veil, without providing further explanation and confrontation of the claim.

Journalists have a responsibility to challenge baseless claims importantly hate speech and explain the harm it causes. They should consider the context in which the words are said, the status and reputation of the speaker and the result it may cause. For example, a politician who knows how to manipulate the public, should not receive media coverage without being questioned because he creates a negative climate or makes unfounded and controversial comments towards people whose rights must be respected, in particular vulnerable and marginalised groups.

In fact, the comments under these kinds of articles on social media prove the way in which these statements are received by people who hold anti-Muslim and intolerant views. This article had a bigger reach on social media and has received anti-Muslim hate speech in the comments section. Such narratives, when not deconstructed, have a great negative impact, especially in a wider context of stigmatisation of minorities.