Did David Irving make two speeches in Austria in 1989?

[Boojatta]

According to the news:

David Irving was sentenced to three years in prison.

Irving was arrested in November 2005 because of two speeches he gave in Austria in 1989.

Isn't it possible that records of events that occurred in 1989 could have been tampered with? How many different copies of the records are there? How do we know that people who claim to have heard the speeches aren't confused or lying? If Irving admits that he made the speeches, how do we know that he wasn't tortured to force a false confession?

[Boojatta]

1. Is perjury no longer against the law?

David Irving sued for libel when he was described in print as a holocaust denier. So why are people aiming their attention at the question of whether or not they like the law that was applied against Irving in Austria?

Are we supposed to believe that David Irving was not a holocaust denier, he sued a private citizen for describing him as a holocaust denier in print, and then he became a holocaust denier?

Anyone who defends Irving should focus on the specific allegations against him in Austria. If those allegations are correct, then he might be guilty of something like malicious prosecution, abuse of process, or nuisance.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

2. I'm afraid I'm not sure I fully understand your posts

Re the first post, there are tape recordings of the two speeches and Irving has never denied making them (plus there's many interviews & videos of him making similar comments elsewhere so it wasn't exactly out of character).

Your second post confuses me - Irving clearly broke the so-called "Banning Law", whether you agree with its existence or not. As to his evolving views, you should read this essay ("From Revisionism to Holocaust Denial - David Irving as a Case Study"), particularly the section headed "Crossing the Line".

(btw - I don't think this is a wholly appropriate topic for the lounge)

[Boojatta]

3. Thank you for the reply.

Re the first post, there are tape recordings of the two speeches and Irving has never denied making them (plus there's many interviews & videos of him making similar comments elsewhere so it wasn't exactly out of character).

Fabricating or manipulating tape recordings should be child's play for a hypothetical organization that can make the world believe in a holocaust that never occurred.

As to his evolving views, you should read this essay ("From Revisionism to Holocaust Denial - David Irving as a Case Study"), particularly the section headed "Crossing the Line".

Did David Irving write that essay? If he didn't write it, then how do I know that it isn't about David Irving's evolving policy of disclosure of attitudes that haven't changed?

I don't think this is a wholly appropriate topic for the lounge

I put it in the lounge to encourage at least casual replies and to allow the thread to quickly sink away if nobody is interested. Can you propose an appropriate place for it on DU?