The only way to preserve freedom of speech is to take up the fight and not give in to demands for restrictions. This is asserted by Richard Malka, a longtime lawyer for the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
The fight for freedom of speech has been long and difficult. Now, when many countries have reached that point, there are instead calls for the opposite. About stopping Quran burnings through law changes, about censoring statements to avoid hurting others.
But backing down is the wrong way to go, believes the lawyer Richard Malka, who often debates freedom of speech issues in France.
Malka is in Stockholm to talk about his Swedish-relevant books "The Right to Mock God" and "Treatise on Intolerance", which are based on the well-known trials following the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo's office in Paris in 2015, when 12 people were shot dead by jihadis. During his visit to Stockholm in the warm spring weather, security measures are extensive. The engagement for the right to criticize religions has led to a life under death threats.
The Quran burnings in Sweden have led to threats of terror and diplomatic challenges. It's a price that a democratic country must be willing to pay, believes Richard Malka.
In December, the Danish Folketing decided to ban disrespecting treatment of objects that are of religious significance to recognized religious communities. But giving in to demands for law changes, especially from other countries, is seen by Richard Malka as a "terrifying signal".
Instead, according to him, it is important for democratic countries to show that they are capable of fighting for their principles. Otherwise, there will always be more demands, and the risk is - if countries do not stand up - that it could lead to confrontation in the long run, says Richard Malka.
Richard Malka emphasizes that he is neither in favor of Quran burnings nor the destruction of other books.
And freedom of speech is not unlimited, he says.
