#freedomofassociation — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #freedomofassociation, aggregated by home.social.
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#Eurovision2026: #BagPolicy...
#IT's #VeryMuchLike #FlyingEconomy; but #Worse...
#IF you're #NotQuiteSure, #CantRemember (or #JustDontKnow) what #BeingKettled is #Like...
#Well...
#Try having a #DeprivationOfLiberty #Order #Sanctioned #AgainstYou during a #PublicProtest / #LawfulPublicDemonstration and #See #If that #ChangesYourMind...
#OrNot; #NoOneCares...
🧙⚕️🤖:wolfparty:🤖⚕️🧙 | :fediverse:🦹:PirateBadge:🦄:PirateBadge:🦹:fediverse:
#FreedomOfExpression #FreedomOfAssociation #RightOfPeacefulAssembly #MaximumSecurity
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https://www.europesays.com/dk/58300/ Turkey puts 11 on trial for LGBT ‘obscenity’ #FamilyValues #FreedomOfAssociation #homosexuality #HumanRights #LGBTQ+Activism #LGBTQI+ #obscenity #oppression #Stockholm #Sweden #Turkey #YoungLGBTQ+Association
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Leave a transmit. Take an artifact. Move on. wzrdgang.com #wzrdgang #freedomofassociation
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https://www.europesays.com/dk/42872/ Amnesty urges Turkey to drop charges against 11 LGBTQ+ activists #AmnestyInternational #EmirhanŞaşmaz #FreedomOfAssociation #FreedomOfExpression #KeremDikmen #LawOnAssociations #LGBTQRightsInTurkey #obscenity #ProtectionOfFamily #Stockholm #Sweden #YoungLGBTQ+Association
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@irina @EUCommission Also it's IMO gross violation of freedom of speech, freedom of association.
It is my opinion that the hypocritical mask of the West slipped and the true, contemptible, authoritarian, totalitarian nature of the so called Western alleged democracies is revealed.
#authoriatrianism #totalitarianism #mask #maskslipped #hypocrisy #narcissism #contempt #contemptible #west #western #democracy #democraticbacksliding
#democracybacksliding #authoritarian #totalitarian #freedomofspeech #freedomofassociation #euregime -
@irina @EUCommission Also it's IMO gross violation of freedom of speech, freedom of association.
It is my opinion that the hypocritical mask of the West slipped and the true, contemptible, authoritarian, totalitarian nature of the so called Western alleged democracies is revealed.
#authoriatrianism #totalitarianism #mask #maskslipped #hypocrisy #narcissism #contempt #contemptible #west #western #democracy #democraticbacksliding
#democracybacksliding #authoritarian #totalitarian #freedomofspeech #freedomofassociation #euregime -
@irina @EUCommission Also it's IMO gross violation of freedom of speech, freedom of association.
It is my opinion that the hypocritical mask of the West slipped and the true, contemptible, authoritarian, totalitarian nature of the so called Western alleged democracies is revealed.
#authoriatrianism #totalitarianism #mask #maskslipped #hypocrisy #narcissism #contempt #contemptible #west #western #democracy #democraticbacksliding
#democracybacksliding #authoritarian #totalitarian #freedomofspeech #freedomofassociation #euregime -
@irina @EUCommission Also it's IMO gross violation of freedom of speech, freedom of association.
It is my opinion that the hypocritical mask of the West slipped and the true, contemptible, authoritarian, totalitarian nature of the so called Western alleged democracies is revealed.
#authoriatrianism #totalitarianism #mask #maskslipped #hypocrisy #narcissism #contempt #contemptible #west #western #democracy #democraticbacksliding
#democracybacksliding #authoritarian #totalitarian #freedomofspeech #freedomofassociation #euregime -
@irina @EUCommission Also it's IMO gross violation of freedom of speech, freedom of association.
It is my opinion that the hypocritical mask of the West slipped and the true, contemptible, authoritarian, totalitarian nature of the so called Western alleged democracies is revealed.
#authoriatrianism #totalitarianism #mask #maskslipped #hypocrisy #narcissism #contempt #contemptible #west #western #democracy #democraticbacksliding
#democracybacksliding #authoritarian #totalitarian #freedomofspeech #freedomofassociation #euregime -
No clout economy. No engagement farming. wzrdgang.com #wzrdgang #freedomofassociation
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Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
Read my statement 👇
#Georgia #HumanRights #FreedomOfAssociation #CivilSociety #DemocraticFreedoms
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Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
Read my statement 👇
#Georgia #HumanRights #FreedomOfAssociation #CivilSociety #DemocraticFreedoms
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Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
Read my statement 👇
#Georgia #HumanRights #FreedomOfAssociation #CivilSociety #DemocraticFreedoms
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Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
Read my statement 👇
#Georgia #HumanRights #FreedomOfAssociation #CivilSociety #DemocraticFreedoms
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Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
Read my statement 👇
#Georgia #HumanRights #FreedomOfAssociation #CivilSociety #DemocraticFreedoms
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StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing. https://theintercept.com/2025/12/20/stopantisemitism-israel-blacklist-teacher-job-firings/ #StopAntisemitism #MsRachel #IsraeliPropaganda #FreeSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation #censorship #zionism #uspoli #Naziism #education
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StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing. https://theintercept.com/2025/12/20/stopantisemitism-israel-blacklist-teacher-job-firings/ #StopAntisemitism #MsRachel #IsraeliPropaganda #FreeSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation #censorship #zionism #uspoli #Naziism #education
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StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing. https://theintercept.com/2025/12/20/stopantisemitism-israel-blacklist-teacher-job-firings/ #StopAntisemitism #MsRachel #IsraeliPropaganda #FreeSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation #censorship #zionism #uspoli #Naziism #education
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StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing. https://theintercept.com/2025/12/20/stopantisemitism-israel-blacklist-teacher-job-firings/ #StopAntisemitism #MsRachel #IsraeliPropaganda #FreeSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation #censorship #zionism #uspoli #Naziism #education
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StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing. https://theintercept.com/2025/12/20/stopantisemitism-israel-blacklist-teacher-job-firings/ #StopAntisemitism #MsRachel #IsraeliPropaganda #FreeSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation #censorship #zionism #uspoli #Naziism #education
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I intervened in the #ECtHR case on #Georgia’s Transparency of Foreign Influence Law, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and 4 individuals. The law restricts #FreedomOfExpression and #FreedomOfAssociation.
👇Read my submission to European Court of Human Rights #ECHR
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-ecthr-case-on-georgia-s-foreign-influence-law -
I intervened in the #ECtHR case on #Georgia’s Transparency of Foreign Influence Law, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and 4 individuals. The law restricts #FreedomOfExpression and #FreedomOfAssociation.
👇Read my submission to European Court of Human Rights #ECHR
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-ecthr-case-on-georgia-s-foreign-influence-law -
I intervened in the #ECtHR case on #Georgia’s Transparency of Foreign Influence Law, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and 4 individuals. The law restricts #FreedomOfExpression and #FreedomOfAssociation.
👇Read my submission to European Court of Human Rights #ECHR
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-ecthr-case-on-georgia-s-foreign-influence-law -
I intervened in the #ECtHR case on #Georgia’s Transparency of Foreign Influence Law, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and 4 individuals. The law restricts #FreedomOfExpression and #FreedomOfAssociation.
👇Read my submission to European Court of Human Rights #ECHR
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-ecthr-case-on-georgia-s-foreign-influence-law -
I intervened in the #ECtHR case on #Georgia’s Transparency of Foreign Influence Law, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and 4 individuals. The law restricts #FreedomOfExpression and #FreedomOfAssociation.
👇Read my submission to European Court of Human Rights #ECHR
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/commissioner-o-flaherty-intervenes-in-ecthr-case-on-georgia-s-foreign-influence-law -
“This is the first time in American history that there is an all of government effort to dismantle left-wing terrorism," said White House Deputy Chief of Staff #StephenMiller.
#law #RevengePolitics #Trump #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/enforcing-the-death-penalty-laws-in-the-district-of-columbia-to-deter-and-punish-the-most-heinous-crimes/ -
“This is the first time in American history that there is an all of government effort to dismantle left-wing terrorism," said White House Deputy Chief of Staff #StephenMiller.
#law #RevengePolitics #Trump #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/enforcing-the-death-penalty-laws-in-the-district-of-columbia-to-deter-and-punish-the-most-heinous-crimes/ -
“This is the first time in American history that there is an all of government effort to dismantle left-wing terrorism," said White House Deputy Chief of Staff #StephenMiller.
#law #RevengePolitics #Trump #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/enforcing-the-death-penalty-laws-in-the-district-of-columbia-to-deter-and-punish-the-most-heinous-crimes/ -
“This is the first time in American history that there is an all of government effort to dismantle left-wing terrorism," said White House Deputy Chief of Staff #StephenMiller.
#law #RevengePolitics #Trump #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/enforcing-the-death-penalty-laws-in-the-district-of-columbia-to-deter-and-punish-the-most-heinous-crimes/ -
“This is the first time in American history that there is an all of government effort to dismantle left-wing terrorism," said White House Deputy Chief of Staff #StephenMiller.
#law #RevengePolitics #Trump #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/enforcing-the-death-penalty-laws-in-the-district-of-columbia-to-deter-and-punish-the-most-heinous-crimes/ -
#Trump signs memorandum aimed at investigating #liberal groups, cites Soros as target
"We are properly going to chase them down like the domestic #terrorists that they are," #FBI Director #KashPatel said.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/25/donald-trump-executive-order-liberal-groups-investigation/86355076007/ -
#Trump signs memorandum aimed at investigating #liberal groups, cites Soros as target
"We are properly going to chase them down like the domestic #terrorists that they are," #FBI Director #KashPatel said.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/25/donald-trump-executive-order-liberal-groups-investigation/86355076007/ -
#Trump signs memorandum aimed at investigating #liberal groups, cites Soros as target
"We are properly going to chase them down like the domestic #terrorists that they are," #FBI Director #KashPatel said.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/25/donald-trump-executive-order-liberal-groups-investigation/86355076007/ -
#Trump signs memorandum aimed at investigating #liberal groups, cites Soros as target
"We are properly going to chase them down like the domestic #terrorists that they are," #FBI Director #KashPatel said.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/25/donald-trump-executive-order-liberal-groups-investigation/86355076007/ -
#Trump signs memorandum aimed at investigating #liberal groups, cites Soros as target
"We are properly going to chase them down like the domestic #terrorists that they are," #FBI Director #KashPatel said.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #Nazis #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/25/donald-trump-executive-order-liberal-groups-investigation/86355076007/ -
The pursuit of what #Trump said were the funders of “agitators & anarchists” is the latest instance of Trump abusing the power of his office to pursue his political rivals.
When pressed by a reporter to name any possible targets, he suggested 2 of the #Democratic Party’s top #donors — billionaires #GeorgeSoros & #ReidHoffman.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
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The pursuit of what #Trump said were the funders of “agitators & anarchists” is the latest instance of Trump abusing the power of his office to pursue his political rivals.
When pressed by a reporter to name any possible targets, he suggested 2 of the #Democratic Party’s top #donors — billionaires #GeorgeSoros & #ReidHoffman.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
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The pursuit of what #Trump said were the funders of “agitators & anarchists” is the latest instance of Trump abusing the power of his office to pursue his political rivals.
When pressed by a reporter to name any possible targets, he suggested 2 of the #Democratic Party’s top #donors — billionaires #GeorgeSoros & #ReidHoffman.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
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The pursuit of what #Trump said were the funders of “agitators & anarchists” is the latest instance of Trump abusing the power of his office to pursue his political rivals.
When pressed by a reporter to name any possible targets, he suggested 2 of the #Democratic Party’s top #donors — billionaires #GeorgeSoros & #ReidHoffman.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
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The pursuit of what #Trump said were the funders of “agitators & anarchists” is the latest instance of Trump abusing the power of his office to pursue his political rivals.
When pressed by a reporter to name any possible targets, he suggested 2 of the #Democratic Party’s top #donors — billionaires #GeorgeSoros & #ReidHoffman.
#law #RevengePolitics #fascism #authoritarianism #dictatorship #autocracy #tyranny #dissent #ThoughtPolice #democracy #Constitution #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfAssociation
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One of these days you folks in the #UK will get tired of your tyranny and demand #FreedomOfSpeech, #FreedomOfThought, and #FreedomOfAssociation.
Until then, I'll just continue to shake my head and wonder when you all will wake the fuck up. #UKpol #WeAreAllPalestineAction #PalestineAction #FreeGaza #FreePalestine
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RE: https://mastodon.scot/users/Gurggles/statuses/115090022592428771 -
One of these days you folks in the #UK will get tired of your tyranny and demand #FreedomOfSpeech, #FreedomOfThought, and #FreedomOfAssociation.
Until then, I'll just continue to shake my head and wonder when you all will wake the fuck up. #UKpol #WeAreAllPalestineAction #PalestineAction #FreeGaza #FreePalestine
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RE: https://mastodon.scot/users/Gurggles/statuses/115090022592428771 -
One of these days you folks in the #UK will get tired of your tyranny and demand #FreedomOfSpeech, #FreedomOfThought, and #FreedomOfAssociation.
Until then, I'll just continue to shake my head and wonder when you all will wake the fuck up. #UKpol #WeAreAllPalestineAction #PalestineAction #FreeGaza #FreePalestine
--
RE: https://mastodon.scot/users/Gurggles/statuses/115090022592428771 -
One of these days you folks in the #UK will get tired of your tyranny and demand #FreedomOfSpeech, #FreedomOfThought, and #FreedomOfAssociation.
Until then, I'll just continue to shake my head and wonder when you all will wake the fuck up. #UKpol #WeAreAllPalestineAction #PalestineAction #FreeGaza #FreePalestine
--
RE: https://mastodon.scot/users/Gurggles/statuses/115090022592428771 -
Mobilització general en defensa de la Llibertat Sindical. Volem a les 6 sindicalistes del cas "La Suiza" fora de la presó!
Dijous 17 de juliol, 19:30 h, pça Urquinaona, Barcelona
#LlibertatSindical #freedomofassociation #treball
No hi falteu!
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Mobilització general en defensa de la Llibertat Sindical. Volem a les 6 sindicalistes del cas "La Suiza" fora de la presó!
Dijous 17 de juliol, 19:30 h, pça Urquinaona, Barcelona
#LlibertatSindical #freedomofassociation #treball
No hi falteu!
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With regard to Kneecap, Bob Vylan, and Palestine Action, the UK government is acting in a manner both repressive and foolish.
I dislike everything about Kneecap, from their taking their name from a punitive torture used in Northern Ireland to their waving the flag of a Lebanese sectarian militia and their poorly thought out comments on Gaza.
Nevertheless, government attempts to prohibit their expression of opinion is wrong. I understand that there are complex arguments to be had about incitement and free speech, but the UK is surely getting it wrong in these cases, where its difficult to justify in any but authoritarian terms the repression of political discourse like that of Kneecap, no matter how offensive that discourse might be to many.
The repression is also foolish on the government's part. If we accept that Kneecap's advocacy on behalf of Hezbollah is odious, the last thing we want to do is draw still more attention to that advocacy in a futile attempt to silence its expression. Have those responsible for taking legal action against Kneecap never heard of the Streisand Effect?
That effect was probably at work with Bob Vylan, whose odious antisemitism almost certainly received a publicity boost because of the attempt to throttle Kneecap.
As I mentioned above, much more can be said about the regulation of speech, but as an immediate rule of thumb we probably shouldn't police pop musicians publicizing their views on international affairs.
I disagree strongly with Palestine Action's views on Israel/Palestine, and think that they should be prosecuted and punished for criminal damage.* But designating them as a terrorist group and arresting some dotty old C of E minister for holding up a placard supporting them? That's police state style authoritarianism and also counterproductive in a manner similar to that of the crackdown on Kneecap
This repressive strategy also makes it more difficult to know who believes what. Don't silence people! I want to know if pop stars or priests espouse hateful or stupid opinions!
*I've read that there is possible linkage or coordination between attacks on military facilities and armament manufacturers by "antizionists" in the UK and Belgium and the ongoing Russian campaign of sabotage against western arms supplies to Ukraine. I don't know how well grounded these claims are.
#UKPolitics #UKLaw #Kneecap #BobVylan #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation
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With regard to Kneecap, Bob Vylan, and Palestine Action, the UK government is acting in a manner both repressive and foolish.
I dislike everything about Kneecap, from their taking their name from a punitive torture used in Northern Ireland to their waving the flag of a Lebanese sectarian militia and their poorly thought out comments on Gaza.
Nevertheless, government attempts to prohibit their expression of opinion is wrong. I understand that there are complex arguments to be had about incitement and free speech, but the UK is surely getting it wrong in these cases, where its difficult to justify in any but authoritarian terms the repression of political discourse like that of Kneecap, no matter how offensive that discourse might be to many.
The repression is also foolish on the government's part. If we accept that Kneecap's advocacy on behalf of Hezbollah is odious, the last thing we want to do is draw still more attention to that advocacy in a futile attempt to silence its expression. Have those responsible for taking legal action against Kneecap never heard of the Streisand Effect?
That effect was probably at work with Bob Vylan, whose odious antisemitism almost certainly received a publicity boost because of the attempt to throttle Kneecap.
As I mentioned above, much more can be said about the regulation of speech, but as an immediate rule of thumb we probably shouldn't police pop musicians publicizing their views on international affairs.
I disagree strongly with Palestine Action's views on Israel/Palestine, and think that they should be prosecuted and punished for criminal damage.* But designating them as a terrorist group and arresting some dotty old C of E minister for holding up a placard supporting them? That's police state style authoritarianism and also counterproductive in a manner similar to that of the crackdown on Kneecap
This repressive strategy also makes it more difficult to know who believes what. Don't silence people! I want to know if pop stars or priests espouse hateful or stupid opinions!
*I've read that there is possible linkage or coordination between attacks on military facilities and armament manufacturers by "antizionists" in the UK and Belgium and the ongoing Russian campaign of sabotage against western arms supplies to Ukraine. I don't know how well grounded these claims are.
#UKPolitics #UKLaw #Kneecap #BobVylan #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation
-
With regard to Kneecap, Bob Vylan, and Palestine Action, the UK government is acting in a manner both repressive and foolish.
I dislike everything about Kneecap, from their taking their name from a punitive torture used in Northern Ireland to their waving the flag of a Lebanese sectarian militia and their poorly thought out comments on Gaza.
Nevertheless, government attempts to prohibit their expression of opinion is wrong. I understand that there are complex arguments to be had about incitement and free speech, but the UK is surely getting it wrong in these cases, where its difficult to justify in any but authoritarian terms the repression of political discourse like that of Kneecap, no matter how offensive that discourse might be to many.
The repression is also foolish on the government's part. If we accept that Kneecap's advocacy on behalf of Hezbollah is odious, the last thing we want to do is draw still more attention to that advocacy in a futile attempt to silence its expression. Have those responsible for taking legal action against Kneecap never heard of the Streisand Effect?
That effect was probably at work with Bob Vylan, whose odious antisemitism almost certainly received a publicity boost because of the attempt to throttle Kneecap.
As I mentioned above, much more can be said about the regulation of speech, but as an immediate rule of thumb we probably shouldn't police pop musicians publicizing their views on international affairs.
I disagree strongly with Palestine Action's views on Israel/Palestine, and think that they should be prosecuted and punished for criminal damage.* But designating them as a terrorist group and arresting some dotty old C of E minister for holding up a placard supporting them? That's police state style authoritarianism and also counterproductive in a manner similar to that of the crackdown on Kneecap
This repressive strategy also makes it more difficult to know who believes what. Don't silence people! I want to know if pop stars or priests espouse hateful or stupid opinions!
*I've read that there is possible linkage or coordination between attacks on military facilities and armament manufacturers by "antizionists" in the UK and Belgium and the ongoing Russian campaign of sabotage against western arms supplies to Ukraine. I don't know how well grounded these claims are.
#UKPolitics #UKLaw #Kneecap #BobVylan #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation
-
With regard to Kneecap, Bob Vylan, and Palestine Action, the UK government is acting in a manner both repressive and foolish.
I dislike everything about Kneecap, from their taking their name from a punitive torture used in Northern Ireland to their waving the flag of a Lebanese sectarian militia and their poorly thought out comments on Gaza.
Nevertheless, government attempts to prohibit their expression of opinion is wrong. I understand that there are complex arguments to be had about incitement and free speech, but the UK is surely getting it wrong in these cases, where its difficult to justify in any but authoritarian terms the repression of political discourse like that of Kneecap, no matter how offensive that discourse might be to many.
The repression is also foolish on the government's part. If we accept that Kneecap's advocacy on behalf of Hezbollah is odious, the last thing we want to do is draw still more attention to that advocacy in a futile attempt to silence its expression. Have those responsible for taking legal action against Kneecap never heard of the Streisand Effect?
That effect was probably at work with Bob Vylan, whose odious antisemitism almost certainly received a publicity boost because of the attempt to throttle Kneecap.
As I mentioned above, much more can be said about the regulation of speech, but as an immediate rule of thumb we probably shouldn't police pop musicians publicizing their views on international affairs.
I disagree strongly with Palestine Action's views on Israel/Palestine, and think that they should be prosecuted and punished for criminal damage.* But designating them as a terrorist group and arresting some dotty old C of E minister for holding up a placard supporting them? That's police state style authoritarianism and also counterproductive in a manner similar to that of the crackdown on Kneecap
This repressive strategy also makes it more difficult to know who believes what. Don't silence people! I want to know if pop stars or priests espouse hateful or stupid opinions!
*I've read that there is possible linkage or coordination between attacks on military facilities and armament manufacturers by "antizionists" in the UK and Belgium and the ongoing Russian campaign of sabotage against western arms supplies to Ukraine. I don't know how well grounded these claims are.
#UKPolitics #UKLaw #Kneecap #BobVylan #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomOfAssociation