In our world, freedom of speech is widely seen as one of our basic human rights. This right allows us to express our opinions without fearing punishment or censorship. Although freedom of speech varies by country, the extent of this right has recently been called into question due to the killings in Paris in January.
Also see Holy See Statement on Terrorist Attack in Paris
Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical magazine, was attacked by French Muslim brothers Said and Chérif Kouachi. The brothers killed 8 staff members, one maintenance worker, one guest of the magazine, and two police officers, while also wounding 11 others.
The magazine is self-described as anti-religion and anti-racism, mostly publishing articles about Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, and politics. Additionally, the magazine frequently published cartoons insulting Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the prophet of God. The cartoons have depicted Muhammad mocking Islam, making fun of Muslims, and going against the beliefs of Islam. The attack is seen as retaliation for the magazine’s view on Islam. This is further supported by the brothers yelling “the Prophet is avenged” during the killings.
The attacks have sparked conversation around the world about the extent of our freedom of speech. Although it has been widely decided that the Kouachi brothers’ violence was inexcusable, many public figures have expressed that the magazine should have expected outrage due to their actions. Millions of people gathered in Paris and around the world in support of freedom of speech after the shootings. Many world leaders have vocalized their views on this human right, Pope Francis included.
The pope made his view on freedom of speech quite clear, saying, “You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others. There is a limit.” He then gave an example of his view using his friend, Doctor Alberto Gasbarri. “If my good friend Doctor Gasbarri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch,” he said, followed by a fake punch to the doctor who was standing right beside him during the statement. Reverend Thomas Rosica of the Vatican press office later clarified the pope’s statement, saying that the pontiff was by no means trying to advocate violence. “His words mean that there are limits to humor and satire particularly in the ways that we speak about matters of faith and belief,” Rosica explained.
Secretary of State John Kerry stated that “the freedom of expression that it represented is not able to be killed by this kind of act of terror.”
The incident in Paris adds to the ongoing argument of what the right to freedom of speech should protect. Around the world, there are many common limits to this right, including libel, slander, sedition, hate speech, and copyright violation, among many others. Currently, there is a movement to create international rules for freedom of speech banning insults to religions. Campaigns have popped up around the globe to end hate speech in general. However, in a poll conducted by yougov.com, 63% of Americans believed that protecting free speech was more important than protecting the dignity of religious beliefs.
The freedom of speech debate is far from over, and the topic is sure to dominate headlines for years to come.