Hate crime - Lots of advice needed for victims of online hate
The Thuringian Consultation Center "elly" for Victims of Cyber Hate Crimes, which has existed for about a year, has been kept busy. "Our offer is in high demand, the topic is currently very present," says counselor Joscha Lell. On average, one victim turns to the counseling team once a week. In addition, the expertise of the counselors is in great demand for presentations, workshops, or prevention events. Hate speech and the associated discrimination of certain groups are a widespread phenomenon on the Internet and especially on social media.
The help offered by "elly" includes tips on saving court-admissible screenshots, as well as support in legal questions. For example, it is informed about when a complaint is worth filing, according to Lell. The duration of the counseling sessions ranges from short phone calls to longer processes lasting several weeks.
High Dark Figure Suspected
There is no clear legal definition of "Hate Speech," or "Hate Speech," for that matter. "For us, it is therefore crucial how the victims themselves assess the offense," says Lell. The expert assumes that there is a high number of people who do not report to "elly" out of false shame or ignorance.
The state-funded consultation center "elly" was called into existence in mid-June 2023 as an contact point for people who have become victims of racist, sexist, antisemitic, or other forms of harassment on the Internet. Under the term "Hate Speech," attacks in the network such as insults, insults, threats, or other hate messages are understood. This type of hate speech is spread, among other things, in the form of text messages, comments, memes, videos, and images via Social Media, messaging services, emails, or forums.
Faeser: Hate on the Net can lead to violence
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned in June about the dangerous development on the Internet: "The hate that is spread in the Net is the breeding ground for violence." The SPD politician spoke in connection with nationwide searches and further police measures against alleged perpetrators of hate and incitement on the Net. In Thuringia, police were in action in the regions of Gera, Gotha, and Saalfeld. The suspects were investigated for offenses such as the use of unconstitutional license plates, public incitement to crime, and incitement to hatred.
- Given the high demand for their services, the Thuringian Consultation Center "elly" in Erfurt, specializing in cyber hate crimes, is frequently called upon for advice.
- The lack of clarity in the legal definition of 'Hate Speech' might result in a high dark figure of unreported hate crimes, as some victims may feel shame or be unaware of the need to seek advice.
- The state-funded consultation center in Erfurt, "elly", serves as a crucial resource in Thuringia, offering assistance to individuals who have fallen victim to hate speech in the form of cyberbullying, insults, or threats online.
