Source: The Atlantic
by Thomas Chatterton Williams
“An assault on free speech is unfolding in France. On Tuesday, a judge placed Michel Houellebecq, one of the country’s most significant living writers, under investigation for his alleged ‘complicity in incitement to discrimination, hatred or violence,’ an accusation that stems from comments he made about Muslims several years ago. Houellebecq’s remarks were controversial and insensitive, but defending his freedom to speak does not require finding his words unobjectionable. … The fact that he now faces the possibility of criminal charges should concern anyone who professes to care about the free exchange of ideas.” (11/12/26)