EDITORIAL: Exercise freedoms responsibly

The right to freedom of opinion and expression is one of the most sacred personal liberties. In fact, the world is currently agitating for greater rights to free speech, especially after Twitter banned Donald Trump over a year ago for what was considered highly inflammatory choice of words on the micro-blogging social site.If we have learnt anything from the Trump ban, it is the principle that freedom of speech should be exercised with the caveat that there are ethical responsibilities that ought to precede its use.Here at home, opposition politician Abed Hishoono learnt the hard way when First Lady Monica Geingos dragged him to court for his wayward and defamatory accusations that had no basis in truth. They, like Trump’s, were also transmitted through a social media platform.The so-called keyboard warriors, who hide behind their digital devices to spew venom, need to be taught about their duties and responsibilities in a democratic dispensation – even if it means doing so the hard way.Some of the abuse of the sacrosanct concept of freedom of expression borders on outright bullying, which itself is a crime. If society was to remove the limits to freedom of expression – where lies, deceit and malice are accommodated under the blanket of such freedoms - that would mark the abrupt end of mankind.

EDITORIAL: Exercise freedoms responsibly

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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EDITORIAL: Exercise freedoms responsibly

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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