Right to freedom of expression

After yesterday, today's column can only be about this topic.

Article 7 of our constitution describes freedom of expression and the prohibition of censorship: No one shall require prior permission to publish their thoughts or feelings in print, subject to everyone's responsibility under the law. There shall be no prior supervision of the content of radio or television broadcasts.

On that basis, you would say that everyone, including our Turkish neighbours, has that right. But what if it concerns a referendum in a state that is no longer a democracy but is on the verge of becoming a dictatorship? Is everything permitted then, are there no limits? Of course there are limits to decency – in our model of the world – but isn't Erdogan getting far too much attention in this way? This man will do as he pleases, and the harder we act, the greater his power will become. History has shown us that.

So what is the solution? It is not that easy to find, because if you are not a friend, you quickly become an enemy. Through our eyes, Erdogan is a dangerous dictator who oppresses his people, but part of the Turkish population thinks differently. And yes, democracy is also just a concept, or am I going too far?.

Hopefully, the 'No' camp, the opposition in Turkey, will find a safe way to make its voice heard in these difficult times. And let us hope that this does not lead to further violence.

For now, I would say that we choose our own friends and therefore also who we invite into our homes or our country. And people like Erdogan or his government are not included in that for the time being.

We are very attached to our freedom of expression, the right to opposition and freedom of the press. These rights belong together and not only when it suits us, Mr. Erdogan. If you accept these rules again, you will be the first to receive an invitation for a cup of tea.

Meanwhile, we are preparing for the elections and a broad coalition with moderate views is likely to emerge. I am glad that I was born in the Netherlands because, despite everything, we have a pretty good life here together.