Yes, then try to go to Red Square in Moscow with a pro Ukraine sign, go to Tienanmen square with a sign against the occupation of Tibet or a sign against Xi. Even if you don't believe that, just to see what happens.

Then, do the same in any western country, with a sign against the local government or pro Russia or whatever you prefer. Just try it and report back please. Let's see who has more freedom of speech.

[–] rolandtb303@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Going with your example here, try to highlight Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, and how there's lobbies for Israel that are basically worldwide (it's most prevalent in USA, AIPAC and CUFI being the big 2) spreading Pro-Israel propaganda. Israel's propaganda machine also has bot farms (called war rooms) distributing propaganda just like the Kremlin bots.

Try pointing all of that out, then see what happens then in the very country that touts its freedom of speech. (Hint: You get put on a list and you're smeared so bad your job is in jeopardy).

I suggest you read up on this, it's interesting. Here's a link for some reading.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_lobby_in_the_United_States

Generally, pointing something out that a state doesn't want to be pointed out will involve the state cracking down on you, it's just state policy. Shouldn't be but it is. I support all dissidence.

[–] Rinox@feddit.it 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm gonna tell you a secret, no one is going to arrest you for saying what you are saying in the USA. I'm pretty sure most Americans are not even that much into Israel to begin with. It's just a game of geopolitics.

And we are talking about the USA again. The west is not just the USA btw. Also, I've been to Israel, a couple times now, and that place is so fucked up, it's not even a joke.

This being said, have you tried doing what I said? Answer me clearly. Go to Red Square, protest against the occupation of Ukraine. Go to Tienanmen square, protest against the occupation of Tibet. Just try it.

I'll go to Rome or Paris or London to protest against Israel if you want, it's really not a big deal. Actually, it's more likely somebody would join me than arrest me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[–] rolandtb303@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

This being said, have you tried doing what I said? Answer me clearly. Go to Red Square, protest against the occupation of Ukraine.

Well in Russia's case, they just arrest everyone and put them in jail for 5-15 years and make up laws saying that you can't criticise the army/government or protest. So people stop protesting because they don't want to go to the shithole that is Russian jail, or even worse like in one case with a schoolgirl doing a non-approved drawing, the father being subject to CIA torture methods (i recall one of them he had the russian anthem blasted at him at ear-damaging volume, which is what the CIA done in Guantanamo bay).

Also, the elections are rigged in Russia (just so you know that information).