Cyberbullying — The Boundary Between Freedom of Speech and Violence

Cyberbullying — The Boundary Between Freedom of Speech and Violence Article by the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” In the modern world, cyberbullying has become one of the most widespread forms of pressure and harassment. Unfortunately, this feeling is all too familiar to the citizens of Turkmenistan. The inability to accept differing opinions, a sense of superiority, aggressive rhetoric, as well as the deliberate activities of structures interested in suppressing civic activism, create an atmosphere of systematic online harassment. Civil activists and human rights defenders of Turkmenistan are subjected to particularly harsh and discriminatory cyberbullying. We regularly encounter: personal insults; humiliation of human dignity; discrimination based on national, regional, linguistic, and ethnic grounds; threats and intimidation; attempts at public discrediting. Unfortunately, aggressive rhetoric is sometimes found even among certain representatives of the human rights community. However, it must be clearly understood: freedom of speech is not equal to harassment. Freedom of expression is the right to criticize, analyze, and express one’s position. Bullying is systematic humiliation, insult, and harm. In the modern digital space, the line between these concepts is often blurred. But this boundary exists — and it is закреплена (enshrined) in international law, constitutional norms, and the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity. Humiliation, insults, harassment, and threats contradict: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights; The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; The principle of equality and non-discrimination; The foundations of the rule of law. While fighting for human rights, we are also forced to explain to citizens that freedom of speech does not grant the right to humiliate another person. Responsible expression is the foundation of a mature civil society. We call on everyone participating in public discussions: Before posting a comment or publication, ask yourself: Am I violating the law? Am I humiliating someone’s dignity? Am I causing harm with my words? A culture of dialogue is part of human rights work. The protection of human rights is impossible without mutual respect. Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” www.dayanchcivil.com�