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BRUSSELS FREE SPEECH DECLARATION (SIGN HERE)
DÉCLARATION DE BRUXELLES POUR LA LIBERTÉ D'EXPRESSION (SIGNEZ ICI)
VERKLARING VAN BRUSSEL OVER VRIJHEID VAN MENINGSUITING (TEKEN HIER)
The events of #April16 were an anti-democratic outrage. After the last-minute cancellation of NatCon Brussels 2024 by two venues, following pressure from two separate municipal mayors, a third venue faced down a public order notice and the attempt by police to shut the ongoing conference. Thankfully, due to the courage of the third venue owner, the determination of all involved in the event, and legal action concluded at the last hour at the Council of State, the conference proceeded and the attempted closure of the venue Claridge was ruled unconstitutional.
But we are determined to ensure this does not and cannot happen again. It is clear that too-many adopt a far-too-casual approach to basic democratic rights to free speech and freedom of assembly.
This is why we have launched the Brussels Free Speech Declaration.
We seek to safeguard free speech for all – regardless of their views – and will work to support organisers and venues who are being intimidated or threatened with cancellation. We invite everyone who recognises the fundamental importance of democratic rights, free speech and freedom of assembly to sign the declaration.
If you represent an organisation or have a significant network or public presence and would like to work with us to promote the declaration, please email jacob.reynolds@mcc.hu
