mediawatchwatch.org.uk

In response to the film company’s decision to relocate filming of Monica Ali’s Brick Lane, English PEN and several authors have hit back in defence of freedom of expression.

Lisa Appignanesi, of PEN:

We cannot allow small numbers of ‘offended’ traditionalists the power of censorship.[…] Mr Salique’s campaign, the media and the police’s willingness to accept him as a representative, are shaming to the proud history of Brick Lane, which has been home to generations of immigrants from many countries, among them some of Britain’s leading writers and artists

English PEN called on the government to play a more active role in honouring its commitment to freedom of expression, as detailed in the amendments to the 2006 Racial and Religious Hatred Act:

community censorship unopposed by the state is effectively state censorship by proxy