Racists could face two weeks in prison

Racists all over Europe could face prison sentences of at least two years under a plan unveiled in Brussels today.

The EU Commission also wants the spread of racist material through the Internet to be regarded as a criminal offence.

The Commission says the penalty should apply to offences such as inciting violence or hatred and directing, supporting or participating in the activities of racist groups.

The Commission can only make recommendations to countries on penalties.

They are underlining however that they regard two years as a minimum prison sentence for such offences.