Noam Chomsky

"Everywhere in the world there are serious impediments to freedom of expression, and they often lead to severe punishment. We are very far from having reached the stage of a genuine democratic culture in which thought and expression are truly free. That remains a major task for the future, one with tremendous implications" said American philosopher Noam Chomsky.

At the 7th Istanbul Gathering for Freedom of Thought, political activist and philosopher Noam Chomsky stressed that political rights are not granted but won by a dedicated struggle. Turkey can be proud of defence of freedom of speech, "a record from which we can all learn", Chomsky said.