To Whom It May Concern,
As is known, freedom of speech is important for development. Freedom of speech helps to express views that can help to address problems. Without freedom of speech, social progression is restricted since the government and institutes do not feel the importance of making changes in response to the reasoned demands of the people. But freedom of speech is not given enough in most Middle East countries including Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia needed for expressing views and seeking changes. Of course, freedom of speech is restricted not only for journalists but also for citizens on matters such as political, economic and other discontents. Moreover, it is restricted not only in the mainstream media but also in social media.
It is pertinent to note that freedom of speech is restricted and under intimidatory legal, political and security conditions in the Middle East. No doubt, constitutions protect freedom of speech in most Middle East countries but governments use legislative and executive powers to restrict freedom of speech. Moreover, judicial powers, according to available sources, are misused and go against the freedom of speech in several Middle East countries. Restrictions are mainly because authoritarian regimes and conservative Arab societies are less tolerant of freedom of speech. In several countries including Kuwait, governments use the authority of issuing the license to restrict publications or shut down publications including newspapers. Defamation charges, insult charges, cyber law convictions and public order convictions have also increased in the Middle East in recent years.
No doubt, freedom of speech does not mean irresponsible comments or comments that can create trouble and harm others including hate speech and propaganda against religion. Irresponsible comments and posts can lead to the violation of privacy rights, important freedom for everyone. But criticisms especially against government activities and the activities of other organizations that are based on authentic concerns and constructive are undeniable. But freedom of speech is strictly restricted especially when it goes against the governments, which are headed by monarchs in several countries. Citizens are prohibited to criticize the government even if they have reasoned concerns or discontent. Moreover, those who rightly voice against government institutions face punishment such as fines, detention and harassment.
It is desired that freedom of speech is given more in Middle East countries. This is especially the case for the expression of voices and criticisms that reflect genuine concerns and discontent in economic, social, political and other terms. It is also desired that those who authentically criticize the government and other institutes due to their discontent do not get punishment by the government authorities. In this respect, the misuse of the restrictive laws needs to be avoided and the tendency to file defamation and other cases when expression goes against the government needs to be canceled. Moreover, governments need to heed concerns including economic raised by citizens.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
