This attempt by activists to disrupt the screening of ‘The Kerala Story’ goes beyond the reasonable limits of the right to protest – it represents an effort to suppress freedom of expression on the grounds of ‘offense’ to religious sensibilities. thetimes.co.uk
Leading the disruption was Shakeel Afsar, who previously led a successful campaign to pull The Lady of Heaven film from cinemas. As we warned at the time, acquiescing to those demands has emboldened extremists to make further attempts at intimidation. secularism.org.uk
Similar efforts to impose censorship in the past have been backed up by the prospect of violence, and until UK authorities demonstrate they are willing to protect the right to freedom of speech, incidents of this kind will continue. secularism.org.uk
Islamist pressure group MEND has also reportedly advocated for the film’s cancellation. MEND’s previous activism has gained significant traction with UK politicians – highly concerning given it’s disregard for freedom of speech. secularism.org.uk
Supposed concerns about The Kerala Story’s ‘divisiveness’ should be treated with skepticism. Afsar has promoted division in the past - in 2019 he was banned from protesting outside a school following demonstrations against the teaching of LGBT equality.
birminghammail.co.uk
birminghammail.co.uk
Loading suggestions...