reSee.it - Related Video Feed

Just a few months ago, this past October, the Scottish government started sending letters to residents within certain "safe access zones." These letters warned that even praying privately at home could be seen as breaking the law. The government encouraged people to report anyone they suspected of "thought crime." I'm concerned that free speech is declining in Britain and throughout Europe.

In England, there is concern over government overreach with arrests for online speech, surpassing Russia. Thought crimes lead to arrests, even for retweeting. The definition of hate speech is subjective, leading to potential consequences. Calling someone by their former name can now result in a lifetime Twitter ban, showing a shift in what is considered hate speech. This trend raises concerns about potential jail time for violating hate speech laws.

Patrick Baab and the host discuss the perceived erosion of freedom of expression in Europe and the role of governments and institutions in pressuring speech. - Baab asserts that there is “no freedom of speech in the EU anymore,” citing a 160-page US Congress report published in February that allegedly finds the EU Commission created a system of complete censorship across the European Union. The report states the EU regime “pressured platforms in the Internet to suppress lawful speech, including speech that was true simply because it was politically inconvenient,” and that the Commission is transforming itself “into a censorship authority against democracy.” - The discussion moves to Jacques Baud (spelled Baud by Baab, sometimes Jacques Baud), a Swiss colonel and analyst who argued that the war in Ukraine had been provoked. Baab notes Baud was sanctioned by the EU, with consequences including travel bans, frozen assets, and limited monthly food funds (€500). Baud cannot travel to Switzerland; his bank accounts and property are frozen, and neighbors reportedly cook for him. Baab calls these measures extralegal, asserting they punish a person for an argument, not for crimes, and claims such sanctions illustrate a mechanism to suppress dissent. - Baab elaborates that Baud’s sanction is part of a broader pattern: “extralegal sanctions” against multiple individuals (Baud and 58 others) within and partly outside the EU, aimed at silencing those who challenge NATO or EU narratives. He argues this signals a “death of freedom” and a move to shut mouths through sanctions. - The host asks if the media’s shift toward propaganda is temporary or permanent. Baab responds that the transformation is structural: democracy in Europe is becoming anti-democratic and warmongering despotism. He cites Viktor Orban’s view that the EU intends to wage war against Russia, with propaganda and censorship as two sides of the same coin to close public debate. Baab says the war will be ugly, as Russia has warned it could escalate to nuclear conflict, and ties this to investments in Ukraine (Shell deal) that were lost when territories changed hands, implying economic motivations behind policy and casualties for profits. - The conversation turns to self-censorship. Baab describes widespread fear among journalists and academics; many refused to join a board intended to assist Baud, fearing repercussions. He cites a US Congress report alleging the EU manipulated eight elections, including Romania, Slovakia, and France. He also notes the EU Commission’s engagement with major platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok, X, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Rumble, Reddit, OpenAI) to enforce content management under EU rules, threatening sanctions if not compliant. - Reputational attacks against critics are discussed. Baab shares experiences of smear campaigns, such as being misrepresented as a “Putin poll watcher” in Germany, and notes that state- and EU-funded NGOs sometimes amplify misinformation. He argues mainstream media generally ignores these issues, turning to “new media” and independent outlets as alternatives for information. - On Germany specifically, Baab identifies EU-level figures (German-origin leaders) who drive censorship: Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President (authorized COVID-19 disinformation monitoring), Vera Jorova (values and transparency), Thierry Breton (pressures on platforms), Prabhat Agarwal (Digital Services Act enforcement), and Renate Künast (translating DSA into practice). He says national governments decide sanctions but pass the burden to Brussels, creating a “kickback game.” He notes the German Bundestag extended EU sanctions into national law, punishing any helper of a sanctioned person with up to ten years’ imprisonment. - For optimism, Baab says Europe needs external help, such as the US Congress report, and citizens must seek alternative information sources and organize to defend democratic rights, including voting for different parties. He suggests that without broad public pushback, the propaganda system will persist. - The discussion closes with reflections on broader geopolitical dynamics, warnings about a multipolar world, and a dystopian vision of a Europe dominated by conflict and state control, with elites colluding with Western powers at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Australia recently passed a sweeping hate speech law with minimal debate, sparking widespread concerns about free speech. The law's justification centers on combating antisemitism, despite a lack of concrete evidence linking alleged attacks to perpetrators or clear motives. Critics argue the law is overly broad, potentially criminalizing religious teachings and silencing dissent. The shift from requiring intent to incite violence to merely being "reckless" raises serious concerns about potential misuse and arbitrary enforcement. The law carries mandatory jail sentences, even for unintentional breaches. This rapid passage and its implications for free speech are alarming, and similar legislation based on the IHRA definition of antisemitism is being considered globally, raising concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights in other countries, including the US. We urge you to pay attention to this pattern of events.

The chant "from the river to the sea" is considered by some as a call for genocide and the end of Israel. A proposed bill aims to make saying it illegal discrimination at universities. Most countries have hate speech laws, and Canada is considering life imprisonment for advocating genocide. Concerns arise about potential misuse of such laws to criminalize political opponents, as seen in Brazil, where a judge ordered the blocking of accounts supporting the former president. Scotland banned misgendering, potentially leading to jail time if speech is deemed insulting and likely to result in hatred. JK Rowling intentionally broke the law to protest it. Some view policing speech as a form of cancel culture, citing arrests in Britain for criticizing marginalized groups. One man was arrested for retweeting an image of progress pride flags forming a swastika. Ezra Levant was prosecuted in Canada for a book critical of Justin Trudeau. Levant argues that free speech is a crucial outlet for grievance and prevents escalation to violence. He believes Canada is a "laboratory of bad ideas." While many favor rules against hate speech, the ability to speak the truth is paramount.

Bill C-63 in the speaker's country may allow individuals to be reported to a magistrate based on someone's fear of a potential hate speech event in the coming year, potentially leading to a year of house arrest with electronic monitoring. A similar bill was recently defeated in Ireland, and people in the UK are allegedly being persecuted for expressing offensive opinions. The speaker asserts that free speech that offends no one is pointless and requires no defense. According to the speaker, the United States has the most thoroughly enshrined and deeply entrenched protections for free speech on Earth, and they believe this right should not be taken for granted.

The speaker expresses concern about the shift in the left's stance on free speech, noting that censorship goes against the principles of the First Amendment. They highlight the importance of free speech, citing the historical context of countries where speaking freely was not allowed. The speaker mentions that speech laws in some countries, like England and France, are more restrictive. They argue that even though they find certain speech abhorrent, it should still be protected under free speech. The speaker emphasizes the need to protect free speech, as censorship can eventually affect everyone.

Governments worldwide are using hate speech and misinformation as excuses to censor and control their political opponents. In Ireland, proposed hate speech laws could allow police to invade homes and seize electronics. In Canada, Trudeau's legislation could lead to life imprisonment for speech deemed offensive. The Biden administration is working with groups to censor content and individuals on social media. This focus on labeling content as extremist is dangerous, as it criminalizes speech and can lead to unjust suppression of protests. This trend towards censorship is totalitarian and reminiscent of the dystopian concept of precrime. The reasons behind these actions remain unclear. Translated: Governments globally are using hate speech and misinformation to justify censoring political opponents. Proposed laws in Ireland and Canada could lead to invasive measures and harsh penalties for speech. The Biden administration is collaborating with groups to censor content and individuals on social media. This trend is dangerous and can suppress protests unfairly. The motives behind these actions are uncertain.

The Canadian government is proposing a bill, C-63, to combat online hate speech by defining and punishing hatred. Offenses motivated by hate could lead to life imprisonment. The bill also allows for pre-crime reporting and anonymous complaints, with rewards for accusers. Critics fear abuse of power and suppression of free speech. Prime Minister Trudeau's past accusations of hate against protesters raise concerns about misuse of the proposed legislation. People are mobilizing to oppose the bill.

In England, there is concern over government overreach with arrests for online speech deemed hateful. Comparing to Russia, England has arrested 4,000 people for thought crimes, while Russia has only 200 arrests. Retweeting offensive content can lead to arrest under laws against incitement to racial hatred. The subjective nature of what constitutes hate speech raises concerns about freedom of expression. The evolving definition of hate speech, such as deadnaming, shows a shift towards stricter enforcement and potential criminalization.

The speaker believes freedom of speech in the West is in a dire state, citing the UK's online hate speech arrests, Pavel Durov's arrest in France, and X's ban in Brazil. They claim the EU's Digital Service Act (DSA) grants the EU power to take down X for non-compliance, including removing "illegal hate speech." The DSA has supremacy over national law in EU member states. The speaker views Durov's arrest as a warning to Elon Musk. They believe EU leaders have an "inverted demonic view" of freedom of speech, limiting it to "protect democracy" by censoring content they dislike, labeling it as misinformation. The speaker will post weekly videos on X. They urge Europeans to dismantle the EU and Americans to make the "right decision" in the upcoming election.

The transcript argues that hate speech laws are expanding globally and criticizes Australia’s proposed Combating Antisemitism, Hate, and Extremism Bill 2026 as exceptionally tyrannical. The speaker notes that after the Bondi terrorist attack, proposals to ban protests and ordinary Australians’ speech emerged, and claims that some groups will explicitly be unprotected, including Catholics and Christians. The report highlights how the bill defines public place so broadly as to include the Internet (posts, videos, tweets, memes, blogs) and states it is irrelevant whether hatred actually occurs or whether anyone felt fear. It asserts that speech is not a crime, yet the bill would criminalize speech that merely causes fear, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment. Key provisions highlighted include: - Prohibited speech can be punished even if no actual harm occurs. - A person is guilty of displaying a prohibited symbol unless they prove a religious, academic, or journalistic exemption; however, Christianity is not claimed to be protected. - The AFP minister can declare prohibited groups without procedural fairness, including relying on retroactive conduct, potentially punishing actions that occurred before the law existed. - The scope could extend to actions outside Australia, with penalties including up to seven years in prison for membership in a prohibited group and up to fifteen years for supporting, training, recruiting, or funding a banned group. - Although the bill claims religious protections, the joint committee hearing indicates that protections would be afforded to Jewish and Sikh Australians, but not to Catholics and, by extension, Christian Australians. A discussion between Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 suggests that while clearly protected categories may include Jews and Sikhs, being Catholic alone would not meet the protected criteria, though certain circumstances might bring some Catholics into protection if they form part of broader protected groups. The speakers argue that the legislation effectively excludes Christianity, the world’s largest religion and a religion emphasizing love, forgiveness, and praying for enemies. They reference prior parallels in Canada, where efforts to criminalize hate speech allegedly led to passages of the Bible being criminalized. They claim that, in practice, hate speech laws protect every other group while narrowing or excluding Christianity, and they suggest this pattern reflects a broader effort to suppress Christian voices in the West. The discussion touches on how the law could enable retroactive punishment, asking whether authorities might use AI to review old social media posts for politically unacceptable content from many years prior. It also references concerns about enforcement bias, suggesting that hate speech laws are enforced by those who tolerate violent zealots while suppressing peaceful religious expression. The speakers advocate for protecting freedom of religion and ensuring that protections apply to all beliefs, warning that if one religion is not protected, none are. They also cite remarks from US figures like Sarah B. Rogers suggesting that the issue is not simply to replicate European or UK approaches, but to maintain balanced protections while addressing concerns about restricting religious speech.

Looking at Europe today, it's concerning to see potential setbacks for Cold War victories. In Brussels, there's talk of shutting down social media during civil unrest to combat "hateful content." In another country, police have raided citizens for posting anti-feminist comments. Sweden convicted a Christian activist for Quran burnings after his friend's murder, with the judge noting that free expression doesn't allow offending any group's beliefs. Most concerningly, in the UK, religious Britons' liberties are threatened. Adam Smith Connor was charged for silently praying near an abortion clinic. Despite not obstructing anyone, he was found guilty under a new law criminalizing actions influencing decisions near abortion facilities. The Scottish government even warned citizens that private prayer at home could break the law, urging them to report suspected "thought crimes." Free speech is indeed in retreat across Europe.

Looking at Europe today, I'm concerned about the erosion of freedoms. In Brussels, there's talk of shutting down social media during civil unrest to combat hateful content. In another country, police have raided homes over anti-feminist comments. Sweden convicted a Christian activist for Quran burnings after his friend's murder, with a judge stating free expression doesn't allow offending any group's beliefs. Most concerning is the UK, where conscience rights are threatened. Adam Smith Connor was charged for silently praying near an abortion clinic. He was found guilty under a new law criminalizing silent prayer within 200 meters of such facilities. Recently, the Scottish government warned citizens that even private prayer at home could be illegal, urging them to report suspected thought crimes. Free speech is in retreat across Europe.

Innovation and creativity cannot be forced, much like thoughts and beliefs. Looking at Europe, it's concerning to see actions like EU commissars threatening to shut down social media for "hateful content," police raids for "anti-feminist" comments, and the conviction of a Christian activist for Quran burnings. Even more alarming is the UK, where a man was charged for silently praying near an abortion clinic, and Scotland warned citizens that private prayer within their homes could be illegal. Free speech is retreating across Europe. Ironically, the loudest voices for censorship sometimes come from my own country. The prior administration bullied social media companies to censor "misinformation," like the lab leak theory of the coronavirus. In Washington, under Donald Trump's leadership, we will defend your right to speak freely, even if we disagree with your views.

The speaker, from Canada, warns about the gradual suffocation of free expression in the name of fairness, common good, social justice, and safety. They highlight examples of restricted free expression, such as not being able to share news stories on social media, being punished for expressing certain political views, receiving lenient sentences based on skin color, and being arrested for peaceful protests. The speaker emphasizes the need to protect free speech and urges the audience to defend their liberties and rights. They mention similar measures being considered or adopted in other countries and urge America not to succumb to illiberalism and authoritarianism. The speaker concludes by asking the audience to keep fighting for what is right.

The Irish government's proposed Hate Speech Bill threatens free speech, potentially impacting artistic expression and campaigning on political and civil issues. Possessing certain materials, even without intent to share, could lead to criminal charges. Help oppose this law by visiting www.freespeechireland.ie/takeaction. Translation: The Irish government's proposed Hate Speech Bill could limit free speech, affecting artistic expression and political activism. Possessing certain materials could result in criminal charges. Support the opposition by visiting www.freespeechireland.ie/takeaction.

The chant "from the river to the sea" is considered by some as a call for genocide and the end of Israel. A proposed bill aims to make saying it illegal discrimination at universities. Most countries have hate speech laws, and Canada may imprison people for life for advocating genocide. Some view misgendering a transgender person as a hate crime, punishable by jail time in places like Scotland, but only if deemed threatening or abusive. JK Rowling intentionally broke Scotland's misgendering law and dared police to arrest her, but they did not. In Britain, people have been arrested for criticizing marginalized groups, such as retweeting an image of progress pride flags forming a swastika. Some argue that policing speech increases hate, while others support rules against hate speech. Ezra Levant was prosecuted in Canada for a book critical of Justin Trudeau. Levant argues that free speech is a safety valve that prevents violence and terrorism. He believes that countries restricting speech may see an increase in violent terrorism.

The Irish government's proposed Hate Speech Bill threatens free speech, potentially impacting artistic expression and campaigning on political and civil issues. Possessing certain materials could lead to criminal charges, even without intent to share them. Help oppose this law by visiting www.freespeechireland.ie/takeaction.

Looking at Europe today, it's concerning to see potential reversals of Cold War victories. In Brussels, EU commissars threaten to shut down social media for "hateful content." In this very country, police are raiding citizens for anti-feminist comments online, supposedly combating misogyny. Sweden convicted a Christian activist for Quran burnings after his friend's murder, with the judge noting free expression doesn't allow offense to groups holding certain beliefs. Most concerningly, in the UK, conscience rights are eroding, endangering religious Britons' liberties. Adam Smith Connor, an army veteran, was charged for silently praying near an abortion clinic. Despite not obstructing or interacting with anyone, he was found guilty under a new law criminalizing silent prayer within 200 meters of such facilities. In Scotland, letters warned citizens that even private prayer at home might break the law, urging them to report suspected thought crimes. Free speech is in retreat across Europe.

Across Europe, free speech is in retreat. In Brussels, EU commissars intend to shut down social media during civil unrest if they spot hateful content. In this very country, police have raided citizens suspected of posting anti-feminist comments online. Sweden convicted a Christian activist for participating in Quran burnings, noting free expression doesn't grant a free pass to offend any group. In the UK, the backslide away from conscience rights is concerning. Adam Smith Connor, an army veteran, was charged for silently praying 50 meters from an abortion clinic. He was found guilty and sentenced to pay thousands in legal costs. In Scotland, the government warned citizens that even private prayer within their own homes may break the law, urging them to report suspected thoughtcrimes.

Just a few months ago, in October, the Scottish government started sending letters to residents within designated "safe access zones." These letters cautioned that even private prayer inside their own homes could be construed as a violation of the law. The government encouraged people to report anyone suspected of engaging in such "thought crimes". I'm concerned that free speech is diminishing in Britain and throughout Europe.

The Scottish National Party's hate crime legislation is criticized for potentially chilling free speech. The law's vague boundaries create uncertainty about what can be said, leading to concerns about authoritarianism. Third-party reporting in various locations raises fears of false complaints. Police must investigate every report, contrasting with their discretion in other crimes. The law's reach extends to private conversations, risking family members reporting each other. Critics view the legislation as an attack on the Scottish people, questioning the SNP's commitment to independence.