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Freedom of speech in the era of globalization

08/11/2007 By Pierre Schori

Swedish artist Lars Vilks caused an international controversy by depicting the central figure of Islam as a dog. Pierre Schori argues that if freedom of expression is guaranteed in Sweden, in the era of globalisation this right should be accompanied by some form of responsibility that goes beyond the personal whims of individuals.

His principal argument is that Vilks’ main interest is in seeing “how far one can go” is his country, something that has already been tested many times before. His actions do not serve as an incentive for those who put enormous effort into fighting for rudimentary freedom of expression in Muslim countries – in fact, it does quite the opposite.

 

He also congratulates the Swedish Prime Minister for his well-balanced reaction in calling for mutual respect between different communities while also defending the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Mr Schori believes that this debate should be deepened and taken beyond categorical declarations and offensive provocations.

The full article can also be read in Maxim News and in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

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Keywords

European Union Freedom of expression Fundamentalism Globalization Sweden

Bio author: Pierre Schori

A Swedish diplomat with vast experience in foreign affairs, development cooperation and peacekeeping operations, Schori served from 2005 until the beginning of 2007 as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of Mission in Côte d'Ivoire. He was Minister for International Development Cooperation, Migration and Asylum Policy, and Deputy Foreign Minister between 1994 and 1999. In 2000, Schori was appointed Swedish Ambassador to the United Nations, a position he held until 2004. He is the Director General de FRIDE.