Palestine and Freedom of Speech
In Palestine citizens basic rights are being violated. In this particular article the harshness on freedom of speech by the government is discussed. Anas Awwad was sentenced to a year in prison for speaking out against Mahmoud Abbas (Palestinian Authority's president) over facebook. Awwad is 26 years old and a Palestinian activist who has generated much support from thousands of people since he was imprisoned. They have joined a facebook group showing their support and solidarity with Awwad, but unfortunately freedom of speech has taken a hit in Palestine. Basic freedoms are being restricted for all citizens. Abba, the president, has continued to run for four terms longer than he was supposed to. Even though technically he should have stepped down by now he continues to rule as an unelected ruler with unlimited power. His senior adviser even told a reporter that he did not want to continue to rule, but because of the division of the society he could not leave his position. There has been a lot of outcries on the internet speaking out against this corruption. The authorities are working to shut down these activists (internet activists) once again violating their freedom of speech. Jamal Abu Rihan is an internet blogger who started a campaign (via facebook) called, "The People Want an End to Corruption." He was arrested for criticizing Abbas. Not long after this incident Tarek Khamis (a journalist) was detained for speaking out against/criticizing the way the authorities treated Ms. Abdul-Khaleq. George Canawati (director of a radio station) and Rami Samar (journalist) were also detained for criticizing the authorities via facebook. The president claims that he is focused on attaining peace. It has been said that human rights, compared to peace, may not be at the top of the priority list. In Gaza, there is repression of women, cancellations of social media conferences, arresting of journalist, and dissidents being tortured. During a heated speech, that declared Jihad on any enemies who came to Muslim land, Ahmad Bahr asked God to "kill all Jews and Americans as well as their supporters." A direct quote from Bahr himself was: “Count them one by one, and kill them all, without leaving a single one.” Al Jazeera made no statement of being against this speech and when asked if there were any disagreements between the parties both Fatah and Hamas said there were none between them. This reported said that this is a problem (that there is no disagreement over Bahr's statement) because the pursuit of peace is not the same as terrorist acts or those that call for "the annihilation of a people." This reporter concluded that Awwads arrest showed the authority in Palestine does not have enough respect for citizens rights to freedom of speech or the system of democracy. He said the West should side with Democrats on this issue of human rights instead of continuing to let Abbas' transgressions slide. He suggests a way to start is by the West providing economic help to the authorities in Palestine for respecting the citizens right to freedom of speech.
Freedom of speech is key to our power as citizens. Taking away a person's right to speak out (especially against their government) can give limitless power to the wrong kinds of people. We have the right to express our opinion about out government. As Thomas Jefferson said, "When the people fear their government there is tyranny; when the government fears the people. There is liberty." Taking away the right to speak not only robs citizens of their basic rights it also takes away their source of power. It creates a feeling of helplessness and inevitability in the way things are. Using force to control people instills fear which only allows for more abuse of power. The government is meant so serve its people not use them. Our ability to speak out against wrongdoings is a necessity to our power to change things and the right to have a say in our own lives. In that respect this article does give a close look into the dangers of violating basic human rights. Not only for the people themselves, but society as well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/opinion/palestines-democratic-deficit.html?hp&_r=0
Molly Winfree
2/15/13
4:00 pm
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