An email from the Free Speech Union has a chilling message on how the thugs' veto is muzzling media:
Yesterday the Free Speech Union were alerted to NZME, the publishers of the New Zealand Herald, turning down a proposed paid advertisement by Shalom New Zealand (a support group for New Zealand Israelis) on the basis that in order for the advertisement/public letter to be accepted they would need to fund security for the newspaper's headquarters due to the protests might result.
Putting aside the disturbing situation that New Zealand media outlets now fear violent relation by political activists, it sets a terribly dangerous precedent that the victims of political abuse must pay extra "security fees" to have their right to participate in public dialog.
I wanted to know what the advertisement was. I wondered whether it might have been deliberately provocative or offensive. But nothing could be further from the truth. Take a look for yourself:
This is the advertisement the Herald has turned down:
That the paper fears for the safety of its staff in reaction to this calmly reasoned message is in itself frightening.
What does it say about the people they fear?
What has happened to civil discourse and debate?
I would have thought this advertisement perfectly reasonable in a free and democratic society where people can (and do!) have differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. But NZME insist that they will need to employ extra security for their offices if they publish the letter, even as an advertisement.
I am sure you will appreciate the disturbing irony. Israeli-expats are wanting to express their concern that New Zealand is no longer safe for Jews (in our country's newspaper of record) and the NZME team have said the cost for extra security to keep their offices safe is prohibitive so the advert cannot run!
This is not the tolerant country we know and love
This isn't an issue of censorship by the media, it's a case of media being censored by the mob. The fact NZME are taking the mob threats so seriously should send a cold shiver down the backs of those who want our media to be free, frank, and unapologetic in tackling tough subjects.
NZME have said they are willing to run the advertisement so long as the NZ Herald's additional security costs are covered. Clearly they don't trust the Police to do their job
The Free Speech Union wants to facilitate discussion between Police and NZME bosses to ensure our media are not subjected to threats for doing their jobs. We are asking our supporters to join us in writing to the Police Commissioner asking him to ensure our media are protected by the Police.
Click here to email the Commissioner.
Upholding the rights to free speech of New Zealanders (and the media) is fundamental in a open and democratic society.
Rather than the Police taking a Posie Parker-style "you shouldn't say that, you'll breach the peace" approach to these matters, the target should be those who bully, threaten, and intimidate New Zealanders for expressing views activists do not agree with. Not only did Police fail to protect Posie Parker from violence when she spoke in Albert Park, they arrested a woman for peacefully protesting. Now there is a chance for the Police to come goodand stand up for free speech at our largest newspaper publisher.
After all, if the Police won't protect our fourth estate from the thugs who wield their veto over controversial topics, then they are only serving those who are trying to make the media subject to mob rule.
No law abiding community should feel unsafe in New Zealand.
No people should feel unsafe because they belong to a group that is acting within the law, whether they are members because of immutable characteristics or choice.
No media should feel staff are at risk if a letter or advertisement that meets legal and ethical standards is published.
If the mob wins this time, who will be silenced next?
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