‘Hate Speech Events in India’ Report

India Hate Lab – a United States based research group tracking hate speech trends released disturbing findings in February 2024 highlighting exponential surge in online and offline hate rhetoric, calls for violence and incitement against Muslims in 2023 underscoring volatile communal fault lines.

India Hate Lab – Profile and Methodology

It comprises interdisciplinary Indian diaspora researchers employing technology assisted qualitative monitoring of regional languages public platforms including speeches, media and social networks identifying anti-minority hate patterns.

Key Objective

By methodically spotlighting provocative content that stereotypes and dehumanizes marginalized religious groups, it aims at accountability, policy change and building campaigner capacities.

Findings of 2023 India Analysis

Over 650 anti-Muslim Hate Instances

In first of its annual series, the 2023 report titled ‘Hate Speech Events in India’ found 668 instances of hate speech targeting Muslims – translating into almost 2 cases daily with steep 62% rise in second half to 413, post elections in key states. 75% of hate speech events took place in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled States.

Key Trends Across Incidents

Some of the key trends noted across various incidents that happened in 2023 include

• Calls for explicit economic and social boycott of Muslims
• Dehumanizing stereotypes like termites and vermin
• Justification of past and potential mob violence

Notable Events Review

• Dharam Sansad hate assemblies by right-wing religious figures
• Communal sloganeering at processions triggering violence in states
• Online trolling amplifying Islamophobic fake news further skewing perceptions during controversies like Nupur Sharma. Social media platforms acted against few accounts only after public pressure.

Call for Legal Accountability

The report also highlights on the ‘symbiotic relationship between hate speech and violence’. With police complaints rarely translating into FIRs, activists demand Supreme Court guidelines for investigating agencies to act against hate speech givers irrespective of political affiliations.

Category: Reports & Indexes Current Affairs