Left silences right, right silences left. But censorship stops us pushing for change | Kenan Malik

In Brussels and Berlin, flimsy excuses were trotted out to stifle political debate

Two conferences in two European cities. Two attempted bans (though only one successful). Two different responses from politicians and the media. All of which tells us something about the state of free speech today.

Last Tuesday, Emir Kir, a mayor in Brussels, created international headlines when he tried to ban a National Conservative conference in the city. The attempt failed, denounced as unacceptable" by the Belgian prime minister, Alexander de Croo, and ruled unlawful by the top administrative court.