Q&A: Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Speech
Question
A law has now been passed that prohibits denying October 7.
It joins the law prohibiting Holocaust denial.
In your opinion, do these ugly denials justify infringing on freedom of speech? As I understand it, this is not incitement, even if it is dangerous. (After all, you have to draw the line somewhere, otherwise anything can be “dangerous”—for example: speaking against the government undermines the state’s stability and encourages our enemies.)
Unrelatedly, in my opinion such a law will lower the truth-value of the stories from October 7, because they will not withstand attempts at refutation. What do you think?
Answer
I hadn’t heard that this stupid and unnecessary law had passed. I’ve written here more than once what I think about speech prohibitions. I strongly oppose the prohibition on Holocaust denial as well. It’s just part of the stupid populism that is spreading in our parts.