The News Agents Why are defenders of free speech always shutting people down?
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Jul 31, 2025 
Adeel Akhtar, a Bafta-winning actor celebrated for his role in 'Four Lions,' discusses his latest play 'The Estate' which tackles money, family, and politics. He dives into the complexities of storytelling, particularly regarding Asian narratives in the political landscape. The conversation touches on humor in relation to serious issues like terrorism, highlighting the delicate balance of satire. Akhtar also reflects on broader human drives and societal pressures, enriching the dialogue on identity and authenticity in today's world.
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Raskin Shouted Down by Farage
- Jamie Raskin was shouted down by Nigel Farage at a UK free speech event when discussing free speech complexities.
- Farage interrupted him, calling him pigheaded and refusing to let him finish his speech, illustrating tensions in free speech debates.
Hypocrisy in Free Speech Claims
- Nigel Farage and similar right-wing groups support free speech only when it suits them.
- They suppress speech that criticizes their views, showing a hypocrisy in their free speech rhetoric.
Contrasting Free Speech Perspectives
- US Democrats see a growing authoritarian trend under Trump curbing free speech in academia and government.
- This contrasts with UK claims by the right that the left is suppressing speech, reflecting a deep political divide.
