Written for EuroTrib originally, but a little relevant here as well.
Ironically, I’ve been reluctant to write this story for fear of the consequences: I don’t really want to open up a divisive debate again.
However, I am astonished at the lack of outrage around here at the jailing of David Irving for exercising his right to free speech, even if it was nasty, repulsive and untrue speech. Over the last few weeks there has been an out-pouring of rage about the words and acts of assorted Muslims in reaction to the exploitation of the cartoon controversy. Horror and anger and indignation filled diaries and the front page that people should threaten boycotts and violence and destroy property over the publishing of some offensive cartoons. Cartoons were republished in an act of support and solidarity. Those who didn’t wholeheartedly support the prevailing point of view were treated less than gently.
Last year the trial of Orhan Pamuk was given as evidence that Turkey was not fit to join the EU because it didn’t respect human rights. When it was argued that the law he was being tried under was similiar to laws in Austria and Germany it was suggested that since he was affirming a genocide we believe did happen rather than denying one we believe happened he should not be subject to sanction.
Today, a citizen the EU had actual violence carried out against him by another EU state for exercising the freedom of speech that newspapers were being praised for defending last week. He was deprived of his liberty – the application of force that we allow ourselves in civilised society – for speaking out. Where is the outrage at that? Where are the diaries? Why aren’t we reprinting his speeches in to demonstrate our solidarity? Why aren’t we denouncing Austria as a medieval state unfit for membership of the EU?
The only conclusion that I can draw is that we only really believe in free speech for people we agree with attacking people we don’t like much.
For a reminder of the horror that Irving was denying read this diary from Keone Michaels.
