We’ve seen an impressive involvement in freedom of speech issues in Norway over the last couple of years, which interestingly seems less related to the freedom of speech itself than to our right to discredit and insult members of the country’s largest minority and its religion. It is that specific right we wish to defend.
We’re talking muslim immigrants, an ethnically very diversified group, to be more precise. Any attempt at criticising overzealous islam or muslim skepticism is met with accusations of either high treason or censorship, while censorship abroad appears to be of little or no interest. Judging by the domestic press coverage of the event in question; the 12 March international campaign for the freedom of expression, we really couldn’t care less. Whereas hijabs in the police, on the other hand – or attempts at passing a bill forbidding blasphemous conduct, in words or in action, stirred much collective anger, among politicians, the media and, not least, bloggers.
Let me just emphasise that I too think little of forbidding blasphemy, but I also happen to know that chances of attacks on christianity were (are) pretty skimpy, unlike that of attacks on islam. It is that right we wish to reserve, and let me tell you: It has less to do with our sacred freedom of expression than with the prewar Nazi attacks on the Jews.
That is a kind of “freedom of speech” I think I can do very well without, thank you very much.
Other countries’ (and their citizens’) freedom of expression, on the other hand, are completely without consequence, as demonstrated by our press’ blatant indifference on this occasion.
Then again, we do care about today’s topic in Norwegian news: Political ads on Norwegian TV, however remotely connected with the freedom of speech.
I will keep you posted on later developments, should anything happen, but have to warn you that the unlikely linked articles will be in Norwegian.
Norwegian press coverage as per 16:41 Thursday 12 March
- Ballongslipp for ytringsfrihet – Rogalands avis
Late addition: We have a saying, ascribed to Norwegian poet Arnulf Øverland, which, loosely translated, goes:
Thou shalt not suffer gladly the injustice that does not affect thyself.
We do however not abide by it.
For detailed information on today’s issue, please visit:
- Irrepressible.info
- Press freedom day by day (Reporters without borders)