Cyberbullying Trial Tests French Tools to Fight Online Abuse

PARIS - A landmark cyberbullying trial in Paris, involving thousands of threats against a teenager who savaged Islam in online posts, is blazing a trail in efforts to punish and prevent online abuse.

It has also raised uncomfortable questions about freedom of expression, freedom to criticize a religion, and respect for France's millions of Muslims. But most of all, it's been a trial about the power of the online word, and prosecutors hope it serves as a wake-up call to those who treat it lightly. Thirteen young people of various backgrounds and religions from across France face potential prison time for charges including online harassment, online death threats and online rape threats in the two-day trial wrapping up Tuesday. It's the first of its kind since France created a new court in January to prosecute online crimes, including harassment and discrimination. Tweet or post without thinking