The European approach to speech that conveys disfavored viewpoints — often defended by many Europeans and some Americans as more "reasonable" and "flexible" than the American "absolutist" approach — is apparently on display in the criminal prosecution of Oriana Fallaci for allegedly libeling Islam. I hope Chris Newman, who has blogged a good deal about Fallaci in the past, will have more on the subject soon.

By the way, the story says "Grasso's ruling homed in on 18 sentences in the book, saying some of Fallaci's words were 'without doubt offensive to Islam and to those who practice that religious faith.'" Is there a list somewhere of those 18 sentences?

UPDATE: Chris Newman is looking for the 18 sentences, but in the meantime posts a translation of a likely relevant passage from Fallaci's book.

Chris Newman posts a translation of the 18 passages that have led writer Oriana Fallaci to be criminally prosecuted in Italy for libeling Muslims. Important reading, if you're interested in international free speech issues — or in what might happen in the U.S. if those who support European-style "hate speech" bans prevail here.

Chris Newman (Dagger in Hand) posts the Italian penal code provisions under which author Oriana Fallaci is threatened with jail. Her crime, of course, is saying "the 18 things you can't say about Muslims in Italy".