Loga ášši sámegillii. “It stops here! Is it really inside to make statements about the murder of the Sami?”, writes artist Fred Buljo on his Facebook page. He is one of many who have reacted strongly to this comment on a status about reindeer grazing on a field in Lyngen: HATEFUL SPEECH: Over 60 per cent of the part of the population who have received hate comments have received this via Facebook, according to the Danish Media Authority’s investigation in 2022 about young people’s experiences with hate speech. Photo: Screenshot Fred Buljo from Keiino says that he reacted to the comment because he believes that society should not accept death threats and that such statements contribute to creating both fear and incitement to hatred against the Sami population. – It is not the kind of society I want to live in, or for my children to grow up in. – I believe that we should come to terms with the online hate that takes place on the various media platforms online, and that expressions of this caliber must and should have consequences. Because the reach of the internet is potentially very large. He hopes that the person in question understands the seriousness and apologizes. Sámi’s characteristics reindeer grazing district Berit Kristine Utsi is head of district 33 Ittunjárga, which has summer grazing in Lyngen. The comment was written during a Facebook post about reindeer that should have grazed on fields in this area. She says that harassment online is a consistent problem for the district. Much of the violence stems from conflicts between farmers and reindeer owners, as the reindeer can wander onto the farmers’ fields and graze. For her, it is sad to read such comments. MANAGER: Berit Kristine Utsi is the manager of the Ittunjárga reindeer herding district. Photo: Berit Kristine Utsi / Private – It is very sad to know that, in your immediate area, there are people who do not like you and your job and harass you for it. As a mother, Utsi thinks it is extra heavy to know that such comments abound. – My children are now at the age where they follow social media and see the excitement. When they were younger they were more protected from it, but now they see daily that some people don’t like us and our way of life. Reacting to threats against people Utsi says that the district is also no stranger to people outside the reindeer herding poaching reindeer, and that comments that encourage it therefore affect them more. – Even if the person who wrote the comment is not going to do anything, there are others who might be able to do it. Although some may think it mostly as a joke, it still influences people to think that it might be okay to shoot reindeer. Utsi says that threats against people do not belong anywhere. – It is difficult to experience that someone can write so badly, it is not popular custom to encourage people to be shot. We have reported the matter to the police. The police in Troms confirm that they have received a report on the comment and have opened a case. news has been in contact with the person who wrote the comment on Facebook. He says that he has received several reactions to the statement, and does not wish to comment on the matter. Calling for a report to the Sámi Parliament Council responsible for countering Sámi hate, Runar Myrnes Balto, says that it is difficult to say how often Sámi hate happens online, but that they see that this unfortunately happens. – It is very traumatic for many Sámi to read such things, because it is interpreted as a death threat against the entire people. It is important that people who see something like this report it. This is the only way we can document and do something about the outrage that is happening. RESPONSIBILITY: Sami Parliament Councilor Runar Myrnes Balto has the area of responsibility for Sami identity, truth and reconciliation. Photo: Hans Ludvig Andreassen / Hans Ludvig Andreassen/news Balto states that the Sami Parliament in collaboration with the Police Directorate is now working on a guide on how to make a complaint and they hope that it will be completed over the summer. – Otherwise, I have a request for the government to get on the field. Now is a good time to launch a national action plan against Sami identity. What can you do if you experience harassment? Tell someone you trust about it. If there are serious threats or other serious incitement, you can contact the police. The police’s online patrol is tasked with trawling and helping people who experience harassment online. If possible, document it! It is helpful when you contact the police, aid organizations or someone you trust. Bures!Leat go dus jurdagat min prográmmaid dahje áššiid birra? Dus soaitá leat juoga maid mii dáppe news Sámi’s galggašeimmet ice cat? Váldde áinnas oktvuođa!Do you have thoughts about the program you’ve seen or things you’ve read from us? Perhaps you have input on other things we at news Sápmi should check out? Please contact!
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