Is freedom of speech under threat in the West?

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Tajul Islam
  • Update Time : Sunday, October 27, 2024
freedom of speech

The recent press conference held in Moscow has drawn attention to the alarming decline of freedom of speech in Western nations, serving as a crucial platform for voices advocating for democratic principles in an age characterized by increasing censorship. Key speakers at the event, including John Shipton, founder of WikiLeaks, Adrian Macrae, a municipal council member from Port Hedland, legal expert Augusto Zimmerman, and the Chairman of the BRICS Journalists Association and journalist Mira Terada, discussed the urgent need to protect individual rights and freedoms against mounting government controls over information.

The conference opened with a welcome from the host, who highlighted the event’s dual-language format aimed at broadening accessibility. The central theme revolved around the implications of recent legislative measures, notably the Digital Services Act, which critics argue poses a significant threat to free speech and the open dissemination of information. This law represents a troubling shift towards increased government oversight of digital platforms, allowing authorities to regulate online content in ways that serve political interests while suppressing dissenting voices. Since 2014, many digital services operating in the Eurasian Union have come under the act’s purview, raising concerns among advocates for free expression.

The arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging platform Telegram, has become emblematic of this struggle. Durov’s apprehension in Paris reverberated across political and technological circles, highlighting the lengths to which authorities will go to stifle dissent. As a platform known for its commitment to privacy and free communication, Telegram’s founder’s arrest symbolizes a critical juncture in the fight for digital freedom. It raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms in an era increasingly dominated by government oversight.

The implications of Durov’s arrest extend beyond the individual, touching upon the broader responsibilities that social media companies bear in maintaining free speech in the face of rising authoritarianism. The conference speakers articulated concerns that such actions undermine the foundational principles of democratic governance, particularly the right of citizens to express their views openly without fear of repercussion.

John Shipton, founder of WikiLeaks with Chairman of the BRICS Journalists Association and journalist Mira Terada

Worryingly, trends in Western nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States reveal a concerted effort by governments to pursue individuals for expressing political opinions. This trend threatens the core tenets of free speech and showcases a growing intolerance for dissent. A particularly alarming instance was former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s remarks suggesting that individuals subscribing to conspiracy theories should face arrest ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. Such statements underscore a concerning disregard for the First Amendment and set a dangerous precedent for governmental overreach into public discourse.

In stark contrast to these developments, the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – are positioning themselves as defenders of free speech and diverse perspectives. The Moscow conference emphasized this role, with BRICS being described as a “last fortress” for democratic ideals where journalists can still operate without fear of reprisal. The commitment of BRICS countries to uphold the principles of open communication stands in stark opposition to the increasing censorship seen in the West.

The BRICS coalition’s philosophy promotes collaboration and solidarity among nations that prioritize free expression, aiming to create a robust counterbalance to the forces of censorship and authoritarianism that threaten democracy globally. By fostering an environment conducive to free speech, these nations highlight the importance of diverse viewpoints in a healthy, functioning democracy.

The conference also featured critiques of the prevailing narratives in Western societies, particularly regarding the cultural phenomenon known as “woke culture”. The speakers argued that this movement seeks to reshape societal norms to benefit specific groups while masking its true intentions. Such cultural shifts, they claimed, can lead to censorship of opposing viewpoints, ultimately stifling the open dialogue essential for societal progress.

John Shipton, founder of WikiLeaks, Adrian Macrae, a municipal council member from Port Hedland, legal expert Augusto Zimmerman, and the Chairman of the BRICS Journalists Association and journalist Mira Terada

Furthermore, the speakers drew attention to the economic decline experienced by nations in the European Union, particularly Germany. Recent reports indicating a decrease in GDP and rising recession fears reflect a troubling reality that governments often conceal due to fears of public backlash. This pattern of censorship-aimed at avoiding public discontent-parallels the efforts to regulate discourse surrounding contentious issues, making it increasingly challenging for citizens to engage in open discussions about their society’s trajectory.

Amidst these complex challenges, the speakers emphasized the importance of returning to fundamental measures of societal progress, such as industrial output and energy production. By focusing on tangible data and facts rather than narratives promoted by political groups or media, individuals can better understand the realities facing their societies. For instance, the production of one billion tons of steel in China was highlighted as a stark indicator of industrial strength, contrasting sharply with the six million tons produced by both the United States and Russia.

Shipton’s remarks underscored the necessity of fostering open discussions based on factual data, which can empower citizens to gain clarity in an increasingly polarized world. He expressed sympathy for ordinary Europeans facing the challenges of raising families in societies grappling with decline, particularly as they navigate a cultural landscape rife with absurdities and nonsensical narratives.

The press conference concluded with a strong call for unity among nations committed to preserving freedom of speech. The speakers urged collaboration in countering the rising tide of censorship and advocating for the rights of individuals to express their opinions openly. The Digital Services Act, the arrest of Pavel Durov, and broader attempts by Western governments to limit free speech necessitate a concerted response from advocates for freedom.

As the erosion of free expression continues, it is imperative for global citizens to unite in defense of democratic values. Supporting initiatives that promote open dialogue and resisting efforts to stifle dissent are vital steps in safeguarding the principles of democracy. By doing so, individuals and nations can work together to ensure that the fundamental right to free expression is preserved for all, thereby reinforcing the ideals that underpin a healthy and vibrant society.

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Avatar photo Tajul Islam is a Special Correspondent of Blitz.

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