Barrister warns against knee-jerk laws to restrict free speech

AN Oldham barrister has advised caution against knee-jerk reaction following the Paris Charlie Hebdo murders.

Kashif Ali, who specialises in human rights law, spoke about freedom of speech and human rights at a public debate organised by Oldham Interfaith Forum.

The discussion centred around the Paris attacks last month, which saw the killing of 12 people at the magazine and a supermarket. A policewoman was also shot.

Mr Ali said: “My personal view is that though they were wrong — the cartoons were offensive — I certainly don’t think legislation is the answer to restrict these things.

“People of faith, and certainly Muslims in the West, should become champions of broader free speech rights, rather than restricting those rights. You can’t have it both ways. If you were to argue that limited free speech should take place, by implication you’re saying your own right to free speech should be limited.

“I would caution against knee jerk reaction. It would come back to bite.”

He then said Muslims needed to be vocal in peaceful ways and seize the narrative.

The forum hosts a public meeting every fortnight which are open to all. For more information call 0161-624 6733.