In a First, Argentinian Lawmaker Indicted for Anti-Israel Social Media Posts

Argentine legislator Vanina Biasi has become the first sitting lawmaker in the country to face criminal charges for antisemitism after a series of social media posts comparing Israel to Nazi Germany.

Biasi, of the left-wing Workers' Party, was indicted for eight tweets between November 2023 and January 2024, which prosecutors said incited hatred against Jews and violated Argentina's Anti-Discrimination Law. Her statements included accusations that Israel used famine “like in Nazi concentration camps” and assertions that “The Zionist state is Nazi because of its practices and ideology.”

Courts rejected her appeals, affirming that freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech that endangers others. If convicted, she faces one month to three years in prison. The case has divided public opinion, with Jewish groups welcoming the indictment and others warning of threats to free speech.

Argentina adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism in 2020, which recognizes certain forms of anti-Israel rhetoric as antisemitic.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Lord, we pray for leaders around the world to speak truth and resist antisemitism in all its forms. May those in positions of influence use their platforms to promote peace, justice, and understanding. Let the voices that spread hatred be silenced, and may Your truth prevail over lies and slander.”