Sarkozy urges jail for browsing terror websites

Proposed new law raises concerns over right to freedom of expression

France's president proposed a sweeping new law on Thursday that would jail those who visit extremist websites - one of several tough new measures floated in the wake of a murderous shooting spree.

The proposed rules, unveiled by Nicolas Sarkozy after the death of an Islamist fanatic wanted for a horrifying series of execution-style murders, have alarmed journalists and legal experts, who say they risk pulling the plug on free expression.

Sarkozy argued that it was time to treat those who browse extremist websites the same way as those who consume child pornography.