Restriction of Religiously Insensitive Expressions in the Context of the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed – When Experience Is Not Enough

The ECtHR, when assessing religiously offensive, inappropriate or blasphemous speech under Article 10 of the ECHR, uses the protection of religious peace as a legitimate reason for restricting freedom of expression. It associates this concept with the protection of the religious feelings of believers. The approach chosen by the ECtHR to the concept of the protection of religious peace is not appropriate. This article identifies conditions under which religiously offensive, inappropriate or blasphemous ways of exercising freedom of expression can constitute a disruption of peaceful coexistence. It discusses reactions to the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, which gradually led to the violent expression of disagreement among Muslims with their publication. The case draws attention to the question of whether it should be possible to restrict freedom of speech based on mere experience of violent reactions to religiously insensitive speech.