Summary
The German government accused Elon Musk of trying to influence its February 2024 general election by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
It acknowledged Musk’s right to express his opinion but dismissed its potential impact, calling his remarks “the greatest nonsense.”
Musk described the AfD as Germany’s “last spark of hope” in an opinion piece for Die Welt, sparking backlash and the resignation of a senior editor.
Musk has also faced accusations of trying to sway the 2024 U.S. election in Donald Trump’s favor.
Freedom of Speech is an American thing. Other countries have restrictions on speech. Personally, I like them.
It’s already illegal in the US to say untrue things about a person. Whether criminal or civil, I don’t know, but it’d probably be illegal to say something like “Elon Musk is a pedophile”, unless that were probably true.
Freedom of speech doesn’t need to be absolute, clearly, for people to be able to speak the truth and their opinions.
It is a civil violation, not a crime. And it’s only untrue if you claim it to be truth rather than opinion.
You can claim that you believe Musk is a pedophile all you like.
Article 10
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression and to receive and impart information. This right also covers the freedom of the press. Freedom of expression is one of the essential foundations of a democratic society. The media require particular protection because they play a key role in defending freedom of expression. Article 10 protects, among others, the right to criticise, to make assumptions or value judgments and the right to have opinions.
Such protection is not restricted to “true” statements; it applies in particular to political speech and debate on questions of public interest. Freedom of expression plays a key role in elections. Artistic expression is also protected by Article 10.
Yeah, it’s called Freedom of Expression on my country, too
And it’s the same idea as the American “freedom of speech”.
Other countries such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, etc.
Speech restrictions are dangerous and should be very narrow in scope. Once you open the can of worms of limiting political speech you no longer have freedom of expression. You are allowed to say what the state allows you to say.
Yes, just like you’re allowed to touch what the law allows you to touch.
Just because something falls out of someone’s mouth doesn’t mean it should be protected by law.
Fine - craft me a law that would do what you want without being easily abused by the far right to persecute you. And without being a flagrant violation of civil rights.
I’ll be waiting a long time - nobody I’ve ever asked for details has ever given even an attempt at an answer. It’s all just childish “somebody should do something” whining.
Canada doesn’t have unrestricted freedom of speech…
Good for them.
Isn’t that an example of what you’ve been waiting for?