Amled

The 56 member countries comprising the Organization of Islamic Conferences (OIC), will this week at a meeting of the UN organization UNESCO control group in Paris, try to establish clear limits to the concept of free speech and expression.
The EU-countries are of the opinion that free speech is sacrosanct, while the Muslim countries mean that respect for religion and religious symbols should weigh heavier then free speech.
(Translated from a Danish Television news bulletin)

This is the second time in my memory that UNESCO is involved in dealings that would put a hamper on free speech.
Some years ago they published a rapport that recommended that the news media be obliged to practice self-censorship in regards to stories that might have “adverse” implications.
A rapport which was hardily condemned by both media and governments in the then Free World.
Freedom of speech IS sacrosanct; it is the linchpin of a free and open society.
Any attempt to abrogate or limit it, is a slippery pole leading to repression and censorship.
Any misuse of it is a matter for the courts of the country involved, not from dictates from some supra-governmental organization.

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When we blindly adopt a religion, a political system, a literary dogma, we become automatons. We cease to grow. - Anais Nin