Google and pro-freedom of speech activists will remember this case for one reason and Islamists and peace advocates will remember this case for another. The case in question is Garcia vs Google Inc et al, 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, No 12-57302. The result, rejection of Google's appeal against earlier verdict to pull down the controversial 'Innocence of Islam' video from YouTube.
On Friday, a US appeals court rejected Google’s request to put on hold an order which required Google to remove 'Innocence of Islam' from YouTube. Google had appealed in the court for keeping the said video on YouTube till the final verdict was given. The original order which had given the verdict against YouTube and Google had asked Google to remove the video and the video would have “devastating effects” if allowed to stand.
A panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to reject Google’s assertion that the removal of the film 'Innocence of Muslims' amounted to violation of Freedom of Speech guaranteed under the US constitution. Readers will remember that this particular video had been the reason for a powerful backlash and protests across the Muslim world. It sparked a torrent of anti-American unrest among Muslims in Egypt, Libya and other countries in 2012.
Earlier while filing for a review against removal of the video on Thursday, Google argued that the video shouldn't be taken down from YouTube till a a larger, 11-judge 9th Circuit panel can deliver a final verdict on the issue considering the Freedom of Speech guaranteed under the US Constitution. However going against Google's view, the 9th Circuit on Friday rejected Google’s request in a brief order for stay of video on YouTube.
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