The hypocrisy of free speech champions on Palestine: Mehdi Hasan's critique

The great irony of our age is that many of the cadre of politicians who spent years anointing themselves as champions of free speech have become its most enthusiastic enemies when the subject turns to one issue: Palestine.

For decades, western governments lectured the world about liberal values. They declared freedom of expression the hallmark of a liberal democratic society. Protest was deemed patriotic while the right to offend was considered sacred. Then came Gaza.

It was once an article of faith that even those who speak words we disagree with deserve protection. As regards Palestine, that's now not true.