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When freedom of speech becomes war propaganda

Book review written by oleksandra@gmail.com
What happens when it is no longer possible to distinguish between news reporting and propaganda? Russian media's spread of hatred in eastern Ukraine has become a significant part of the war machinery. 

Freedom of speech is a fundamental principle of European democracy. It cannot be emphasized enough how important the formation of a popular opposition is. The formation of a people's opinion is a process which in itself presupposes almost unlimited access to information, as well as the free dissemination of various opinions, in order to realize the very basic principle: the right to know. But when a democracy and an authoritarian regime collapse, the issue suddenly becomes more complicated. In accordance with the principles of freedom of expression, democracy is obliged not only to provide microphone stands to parties who are clearly lying, but also to treat their views with equal respect as everyone else's. Lies that multiply even more when combined with imperialist goals result in violations of what is referred to in human rights as a zero tolerance for. . .

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Full 100-page MODERN TIMES including the appendix Orientering and Modern Times Review comes out quarterly (March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1) with international book reviews, essays and comments – in addition to the physical newspaper and PDF, the articles are eventually published online here (see also the newsletter).

© MODERN TIMES & Orientering AS Dronningensgt. 16, 0152 Oslo Chief editor: Truls Lie

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