Faroese supreme court to hear case on hate speech law violation

The Faroese supreme court will review a case involving an alleged violation of section 266b of the penal code after the Process Authorization Board granted permission for an appeal, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

The defendant, who denies wrongdoing, was fined 5,000 DKK (approximately €670) by a lower court for writing derogatory comments about homosexuals on Facebook. The individual claims they were exercising free speech and has refused to accept the ruling.

Section 266b of the Faroese penal code criminalises public statements that threaten, ridicule, or degrade groups of people based on factors including sexual orientation. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment for up to two years.

The case will be heard in the Eastern Division of the Faroese Supreme Court on Tuesday.