The Danish cartoon controversy has flared up again after police foiled a murder attempt on one of the cartoonists, prompting Danish and international newspapers to republish the offending drawing. They argue that free speech is a fundamental human right and a central tenet of democracy. Yet reactions to the initial controversy in 2006 reveal strong divergences among liberals about what the right to free speech entails. Read on for Eurozine's take on the debate the last time around, including contributions by Ian Jack, Kenan Malik, Ursula Owen, Ronald Dworkin, Tom Stoppard, Isolde Charim, Göran Rosenberg, Christoph Türcke, and Tahar Ben Jelloun.

Focal Point: Freedom of speech and the Danish cartoon controversy

Published 2008-02-15