From Chinese Press

Don't abuse freedom of speech

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-25 07:53

In this information age, people are using more channels to express their views freely. But that does not mean that people can make irresponsible comments and then defend them by saying "this is freedom of speech", says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

Any freedom is conditional, limited and closely connected with law and responsibility. Just like rights are balanced by obligations, freedom of speech, or of the press, is also inseparable from responsibilities. In other words, we cannot use freedom of speech to say whatever we want.

As social beings, individuals (and the media) have to realize that freedom of speech can be exercised only under real social conditions and follow the dialectical relationship between rights and obligations.

The Constitution stipulates that citizens can enjoy freedom of speech, or of the press, only if they do not impair the interests of the State, the public, or the lawful rights and interests of other citizens. Any violation of the interests of others or the public as a whole is punishable by law.

It is the practice in every country to regulate citizen's freedom of speech, or of the press, by legal means. There is no exception to this rule even in countries that always accuse others of gagging people. Take the United States for example. It has rather strict restrictions on speech and press freedom. There are more than 20 kinds of regulations on general speech alone, besides those on the abuse of such freedom to engage in criminal activities that endanger state security.

Every country deals with speeches that endanger national security and social stability according to its legal codes. China, too, has dealt with such illegal activities according to its law to prevent freedom of speech from being abused. Citizens should use their sense of responsibility and rights, and enhance their knowledge of the law and abide by it to better enjoy freedom of speech.

(China Daily 10/25/2010 page9)