News From Around The World

[Torchwatch]

Freedom of speech and expression so taken for granted in the West but always endangered, rely on everyone being allowed to say and do things that others find repugnant and not be punished for it. In countries with no democracy or freedom those in power decide what is proper without public discussion.
In a democracy the limits of decency are decided by juries, are dependent on public opinion, so they change and evolve. A protest is a way of changing the law or the way it is policed. Those that want briefer swimwear can push the envelope to see what is accepted, then push a little further.
In a dictatorship you have to do what you are told, or riot and overthrow the system.
The dictatorship that encourages tourists from democracies risks bringing in free thoughts and lifestyles with the money they earn. The tourist police then have to decide where to draw the line and who to stop from setting different examples to the locals.