Freedom of speech – An invokable right?

Freedom of speech refers to the right to express one's opinion without fear of censorship or repercussions. When and why do courts in the Netherlands decide against it?

Dimitra Stefoudi and Arthur Menschaart • July 21, 2020

Wash your hands often… and your newsfeed even more: disinformation in COVID-19 times

In the midst of a public health crisis, only one thing is more contagious than the virus itself – lies. How does disinformation affect our fundamental rights?

María de Arcos Tejerizo • April 20, 2020

On the Close Connection between Religious Freedom and Liberal Democracy

The individual dimension of religious freedom constitutes a foundation for the institutional dimension of the same right. Institutional religious autonomy is, in turn, foundational for the notion of limited government and as such for liberal democracy.

Hans-Martien ten Napel • June 07, 2016 • 1 comment

Freedom of Expression: What to do with it

PEN America was wrong in praising Charlie Hebdo as a champion of freedom of expression. Exploiting outer limits of legal rights is not the same as responsible conduct within such limits. Why offend for (almost) nothing? Fight terrorism, do not provoke it.

Hendrik Kaptein • May 07, 2015

An Embedded Freedom of Speech

The terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo has put the freedom of speech back on the agenda. If we are serious about creating a world in which there is room for everybody, we have to rethink the content of this human right, so that it can help us forward.

Wim Bonis • January 21, 2015 • 1 comment

Je suis concerned about political ostrichism

The attack on Charlie Hebdo seems to have created a window of opportunity for the Dutch government to swiftly push forward new counterterrorism measures. Are these measures driven by necessity or by other forces?

Maartje van der Woude • January 15, 2015 • 1 comment

Blasphemy: a closed Chapter

Recently the statutory ban on scornful blasphemy in the Dutch Criminal Code lapsed. What should have been a victory for our neutral state and free speech became stained by an ambiguous decision approving a parliamentary motion.

Mirjam van Schaik • August 21, 2014

Whatever Wilders cares for

At our Law School students learn the significance and meaning of freedom of speech. They learn to wonder how to reconcile this freedom with the rights of others and the principle of equality.

Rick Lawson • March 24, 2014

Filtering the Internet for law enforcement purposes?

The Dutch Minister of Safety and Justice is considering a new instrument for law enforcement authorities that enables them to order Internet companies and other persons to make web content unavailable. This instrument should not be adopted too easily.

Jan-Jaap Oerlemans • July 18, 2013

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