Editorial cartooning

Ruling: Shapiro’s Lady Justice cartoon not hate speech

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Alan Gardner February 28, 2011 1 minute 0 comments

The South African Human Rights Commission has dismissed a complaint brought by the Young Communist League and its national secretary Buti Manamela alleging that the “Lady Justice” editorial cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro (“Zapiro”) depicting the now President of South Africa Jacob Zuma readying to rape Lady Justice. The commission found the cartoon was “free, open, robust and even unrestrained criticism of politicians by a journalist.” The complaint described the cartoon as offensive because it depicts Zuma as a rapist.

President Zuma, angered by the cartoon, has filed suit against Zapiro for “damage his reputation and dignity.” That case is still in the courts.