"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear"
George Orwell
After yet another assassination attempt against Donald Trump, the temptation is once again to blame political rhetoric for political violence. But free speech also protects speech that is ugly, hateful and hysterical — precisely because the alternative is far more dangerous.
The Danish Free Press Society’s invitation to speak about persecuted Christians is declined — citing “political considerations” and partner organisations
The German Chancellor complains about criticism on social media, even as his extensive use of criminal complaints against citizens for “insults” raises serious questions about democratic principles and the exercise of power among Germany’s political elite.
The United Kingdom is increasingly denying entry to political commentators on the basis of a flexible legal standard. The question is whether this is about security – or about keeping inconvenient voices out.
The media shape public debate not only through what they cover, but just as much through what they consistently choose to ignore.
A new book highlights the growing restrictions on free speech in Germany
When the King abandons his own tradition, he accelerates the collapse Britain is already experiencing
The influence of Iran’s clerical regime extends into the West, where it poses a growing threat to Iranian dissidents in exile and to Jewish communities. In its efforts to exert influence, the regime has at times benefited from alliances on the political left — a pattern that is particularly visible in France.
When church leaders turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians while opening the door to symbolic displays of power, it is not tolerance. It is a sign of pre-emptive capitulation.
Ideological conformity, activist journalism and a widening disconnect from readers are pushing the embattled newspaper deeper into both financial decline and a crisis of credibility.
Freedom of expression is under tremendous strain. Nationally and globally, writers, artists and politicians are threatened upon their lives and/or with their livelihoods, or sued in court for expressing particular views. Fear, self-censorship and oppressive anti-defamation laws are in the process of undermining our main liberty: Freedom of expression.
The Free Press Society’s freedom of expression prize, the Sappho Award, is awarded to a person who has shown uncompromising courage in the struggle for the free word.
