Problem of online fatwas
14.5.2020
Question for written answer E-002971/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Silvia Sardone (ID)
Whereas:
A fatwa is an opinion on a point of Islamic law. Under the Islamic legal system, each judge sits alone but may seek advice from an expert, who must be a muftì, concerning particular issues. Such a request for advice may also be made by a person bringing a case before a court. However, the mufti's opinion is non-binding. Today, there is a serious problem with online fatwas, which are often taken as having the same status as actual laws and exploited to justify terrorist activities or radical propaganda. Many of these fatwas concern the relationship between Islam and modernity, and, if interpreted by people whose opinion is not authoritative and who are not experts, there is a risk that they may stir up hatred towards the Western countries where many Muslims live.
The following questions arise:
- 1.How will the EU deal with this phenomenon in order to prevent the proliferation of radical Islamic ideas over the internet?
- 2.As the most radical preachers can preach from countries both inside and outside the EU, are there any plans for an agreement between States to identify these ‘disseminators of hatred’ and to block the dissemination of their ideas over the internet?