EU court slams France for fining man over Sarkozy insultMarch 14, 2013 - 21:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France violated a demonstrator's freedom of expression when it fined him for insulting former President Nicolas Sarkozy, Europe's top human rights court ruled on Thursday, March 14, according to Reuters. Leftist activist Herve Eon was convicted in 2008 and given a 30 euro ($39) fine after holding up to Sarkozy's car a banner with the words "Get lost, jerk." The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) deemed the punishment disproportionate and a violation of freedom of expression, as the act was a "satirical remark." The words on the banner were those Sarkozy himself had directed earlier at a member of the public who refused to shake his hand during France's annual farm fair. Sarkozy's choice of words ignited a media firestorm, with critics saying his taunt was vulgar. The ECHR said a French appeals court had acknowledged that Eon's comments constituted "criticism of a political nature" for which "freedom of expression was of the highest importance." France, now under President Francois Hollande, can appeal for the decision to be reviewed by the court's Grand Chamber. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |