The illusion of freedom of speech in the West, particularly when one is critical of the government or challenges the mainstream narrative, is a topic that warrants careful consideration.
While many Western nations proudly tout their commitment to free expression as a cornerstone of democracy, the reality often reveals a more nuanced and complex picture.
At its core, freedom of speech implies the ability for individuals to express their opinions, beliefs, and dissenting views without fear of censorship or retribution from the government.
This fundamental right is enshrined in various legal frameworks, such as the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
However, in practice, several factors can undermine the full realization of this ideal.
One significant challenge to freedom of speech arises when individuals or groups are critical of the government or challenge the prevailing narrative endorsed by mainstream institutions.
In such cases, dissenters may face various forms of pushback, ranging from social ostracization to legal persecution.
Do you remember Gonzalo Lira? He was a Chilean-American war commentator, renowned for his critical view of the Zelensky regime and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Tragically, he passed away on January 11, 2024, while in a hospital in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Lira’s demise followed eight months of imprisonment on allegations of “justifying Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.” His justification? He called the war a proxy war.
In 2022, Gonzalo Lira rose to prominence as an outspoken critic of what he viewed as the escalating authoritarianism in Ukraine. Lira interpreted the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a proxy war instigated by the US against Russia, condemning the senseless loss of life in what he deemed a futile and unwinnable war.
He was arrested in May 2023, for basically, having an opinion about the war. And that’s eventually why he died in custody. Before his death, influential figures like Elon Musk and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson advocated for his release, drawing international attention to his situation.
However, the Ukrainian authorities remained indifferent.
Information regarding Lira’s worsening health situation came to light through communications between his father, Gonzalo Lira Sr., and the US embassy.
Emails and supporting documents indicated attempts by Lira Sr. to notify the embassy of his son’s dire medical condition and the lack of transparency by the Ukrainian authorities regarding Lira’s health status.
In a poignant handwritten note, Lira narrated his harrowing health condition, including double pneumonia, pneumothorax, and severe edema. The letter, believed to be his final correspondence, shed light on the neglect he endured during imprisonment.
Despite these alarming symptoms, proper medical attention was reportedly delayed until it was too late.
The demise of Gonzalo has notably escaped mention by the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the mainstream media.
This omission is likely due to the potential implications it would have on the perception of Zelensky’s administration. Acknowledging his death would raise questions about Zelensky’s handling of journalists critical of his regime, potentially implicating him in their deaths.
However, in the twist of events, the Russian prison service announced the death of Alexei Navalny on February 16, 2024, and all hell broke loose. His passing triggered protests not only within Russia but also in many countries.
Western governments and international organizations have leveled accusations against the Russian authorities and Putin regarding his death.
Navalny is seen as a hero who was killed for standing up against Putin’s regime, criticizing his war in Ukraine, and pointing out corruption among Russia’s oligarchs. In essence, he was a victim of oppression of free speech.
The senseless loss of human life is undoubtedly a tragedy that must be prevented at all costs. But when it seems some lives are more important than others, that is where the moral line is drawn.
Gonzalo died in custody for the same reasons at least in principle but was vilified because his views were not the mainstream narrative where Russia is the bad guy and the West the good guys.
If free speech is only free to the extent it aligns with the prevalent narrative then there is no free speech but a perversion of its ideals.
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