Islamophobia in the Context of Hate Speech and Freedom of Expression Debates: Example of L’Express Magazine

In this study, the definition and dimension of the concept of hate speech was tried to be explained. In the first part of the study, the concepts of freedom of expression, hate speech and hate crime were defined so as to create a conceptual framework of hate speech. In the last part of the study, France was examined as a model country and information was given about hate speech and hate crime. It is also categorizes headlines with hate speech for Islam and Muslims by L’Express magazine which is one of the popular actuel magazines in France. Content analysis method was used in this study which is about hate speech towards Muslim in the French written press and the expressions used in the cover page of the L’Express magazine which is the subject of the examination were analyzed. In the conclusion of the study, it was emphasized that L’Express magazine categorizes Muslims through hate speech and contributes to the persistence of hatred towards Muslims