Mark Zuckerberg: Free speech forever on Facebook

MANILA, Philippines – Social Media users worldwide expressed grief and rage after the January 7 shooting at Charlie Hebdo magazine’s headquarters in Paris, France left 12 people dead. 

In solidarity, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of social networking giant Facebook, posted a statement on the social networking platform to mourn with the family of the victims:

My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the people of France and the people all over the world who choose to share their views and ideas, even when that takes courage. ‪#‎JeSuisCharlie‬.

He also shared his experience on “extremism”:

A few years ago, an extremist in Pakistan fought to have me sentenced to death because Facebook refused to ban content about Mohammed that offended him.

We stood up for this because different voices – even if they’re sometimes offensive – can make the world a better and more interesting place.

Facebook has always been a place where people across the world share their views and ideas. We follow the laws in each country, but we never let one country or group of people dictate what people can share across the world.

Zuckerberg also assures the billions of Facebook users that they will forever  enjoy their right to freedom of speech:

Yet as I reflect on yesterday’s attack and my own experience with extremism, this is what we all need to reject – a group of extremists trying to silence the voices and opinions of everyone else around the world.

I won’t let that happen on Facebook. I’m committed to building a service where you can speak freely without fear of violence.

“Free opinion is what make us live together in peace,” Jerry Maher commented, in agreement with Zuckerberg.

Meanwhile, several Facebook users had these to say:

“There is [a] limit to every thing. In December, Taliban killed almost 143 children, but you did not posted any symphaty status. This is not the war of Pakistan,” said Abubakar Arshad, who claimed he was from Pakistan. 

“Would have had some respect for you if such a statement had also come at a time when millions were dying in Palestine or Afghanistan! Or how about the Peshawar attack in Pakistan? Apparently, only the lives of white people are important to the likes of you,” Rosheen Shayan said.

Another Facebook user schooled Zuckerberg on what he thinks is the real issue.

“Making fun of people’s religous beliefs is not Content. You should not condone or allow it to happen even if they believe in the magical tea pot. There should be laws protecting religious beliefs. This is not a freedom of speech issue, but an issue of respect for your fellowmen’s beliefs. What if people drew obscene pictures of Jesus?” Warwick Mirzikinian questioned.

Have you been able to reflect after the attack? What do you have to say? Share with us your thoughts in the Comments below. – Rappler.com