Nigel Farage is scheduled to present Lucy Connolly's case during a free speech hearing in Washington, D.C., in September. He will testify before members of Congress who are examining the state of free expression in the United Kingdom. Connolly was recently released from prison after serving time for inciting racial hatred. She had been sentenced to 31 months for a social media post where she called for the burning of hotels housing asylum seekers. Farage has stated that her case will be a central focus of his testimony.
Farage has publicly criticized Connolly's imprisonment, despite the European Convention on Human Rights, which does not protect speech that incites racial hatred. Connolly was convicted of inciting racial hatred after posting on X, advocating for mass deportations and calling for the burning of hotels housing asylum seekers. The 42-year-old, married to a Tory councillor, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court last October and served 40% of her sentence.
The hearing, scheduled for September 3rd, will take place before the House Judiciary Committee at the Capitol. The committee is chaired by Republican Congressman Jim Jordan and includes several prominent allies of Donald Trump. The Trump administration has expressed concerns about free speech in Britain, which it is monitoring closely. A report from the US State Department has also raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in the UK, citing interventions by government officials following the Southport attack and subsequent riots.
Following her release, Farage described Connolly as a symbol of what he views as a broken and authoritarian Britain. In her first interview since her release, Connolly stated that she and others consider themselves political prisoners of the Prime Minister. She also expressed her belief that the Prime Minister, a human rights lawyer, should re-evaluate the meaning of human rights, freedom of speech, and the laws of the country. Inciting racial hatred is a criminal offense in England and is not protected by freedom of expression, according to Crown Prosecution Service guidance.
5 Comments
Muchacho
This is a pivotal moment for free speech in the UK. Farage is bringing a necessary debate to Congress.
Mariposa
Farage is prioritizing his political agenda over real justice and the safety of communities at risk from hate speech.
Muchacha
It's about time someone stood against this authoritarian creep! Free speech must be defended at all costs!
Bella Ciao
Why does Farage continue to echo hate instead of promoting unity? This is not the kind of speech we need.
Comandante
Exactly what message are we sending when we put someone like Connolly on a pedestal? This is not about free speech.