Freedom of Expression

For decades, Western colonial nation-states have touted freedom of speech and freedom of expression as nearly absolute rights. When anti-Muslim offensive cartoons were published in Western tabloids, and Muslims reacted by labeling them as forms of hate and politicized speech, Western governments consistently dismissed these concerns. They argued that freedom of expression supersedes all other rights, including the need for protective limits against hate speech. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023. As student protests erupted, condemning the atrocities of the conflict—particularly the disproportionate impact on children and women—Western governments began to take aggressive actions to limit, and even criminalize, anti-war dissent under the pretext of combating antisemitism. This reaction raises serious questions about the integrity of the very freedoms that have long been championed. The Trump administration, for example, moved swiftly to deport students who held valid immigration status solely for participating in protests. It also threatened universities with the withdrawal of federal funding unless they silenced student activists. Such tactics not only undermine the principles of free speech but also set a dangerous precedent where dissent is equated with disloyalty or hatred. In this context, it is crucial to scrutinize the legal and political frameworks governing freedom of speech, both in the United States and in international law. The erosion of these rights under the guise of national security or social cohesion poses a significant threat to democratic values. When governments can suppress dissenting voices by labeling them […]