Academics say Chomsky ban ‘blow to democracy’
| Follow j. on |  |
and |  |
More than 500 Israeli academics have denounced the government decision banning famed Jewish-American linguist Noam Chomsky from entering the West Bank last week.
In a letter to Interior Minister Eli Yishai on May 25, they accused the ministry of harming democracy and academic freedoms.
The letter says: “Blocking someone whose opinions are not accepted is a mortal blow to democracy.”
Signatories included faculty and students, linguists and philosophers.
The 81-year-old Chomsky, an outspoken critic of Israel, was to speak at a West Bank university last week when Israeli authorities barred him from entering from neighboring Jordan.
The Interior Ministry later said the border agent made a mistake and Chomsky could return. — ap
Comments
Leave a Comment
In order to post a comment, you must first log in.
Are you looking for user registration? Or have you forgotten your password?
All
05/31/2010 at 12:38 PM
Banning criminal conspiracies does not infringe freedom of speech. Banning child pornography does not infringe freedom of speech. Banning advocacy of breaches of the peace does not infringe freedom of speech. Banning slander and libel does not infringe freedom of speech. Banning hate speech does not infringe freedom of speech.
For the organizers of the protest of the ban to argue that Chomsky’s speech was not going to fall under several of these exceptions is knowingly dishonest.
Login to reply to this comment or post your own05/31/2010 at 12:40 PM
Banning fraud and false advertising are not infringements of free speech.
Login to reply to this comment or post your own