Faisal Al-Fayez, Jordan’s Senate Speaker, criticized Western nations for their double standards regarding democracy and public freedoms at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He stressed the need for consistent application of democratic principles, addressed the plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation, and highlighted the negative impact of social media on democracy.
During a recent speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Jordan’s Senate Speaker, Faisal Al-Fayez, articulated concerns regarding the perceived double standards adopted by Western nations in relation to democracy and public freedoms. Emphasizing that democratic values demand uniformity and dedication to human rights, he maintained that failure to apply these principles consistently undermines democracy. Al-Fayez stated, “The reality confirms that the West has begun to adopt a policy of double standards regarding issues of public freedoms and democratic practice.”
The two-day conference, addressing numerous global issues, focuses on topics such as the protection of democracy, freedom of expression, and contemporary political and security challenges. Al-Fayez underscored that sustaining democracy relies on ensuring political and security stability while rejecting selective human rights approaches. He urged a collective commitment to support international organizations that defend justice instead of manipulating them for political benefits.
Additionally, Al-Fayez addressed the impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinians, highlighting Western hypocrisy concerning human rights violations in this context. He expressed grave concern over the suffering endured by Palestinians under occupation, emphasizing that “the Palestinian people have endured nearly eight decades of suffering under Israeli occupation,” especially since the recent escalation of violence post-October 7, 2023.
Moreover, he pointed out the negative role of social media in intensifying disinformation, hate speech, and extremism—elements that contravene the initial intent of these platforms to promote public freedoms. He remarked that social media has “regrettably added to the problems that democracy faces,” exacerbating societal divisions and political instability in various regions.
Al-Fayez concluded by highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with democratic institutions, fueled by economic and technological disparities between the Global North and South, alongside escalating social and economic inequalities, stating that “all of these factors have put democracy and its future through a difficult test.”
In summary, Faisal Al-Fayez’s speech at the Strasbourg conference shed light on the double standards exhibited by Western nations in relation to democracy and public freedoms. His call for consistent application of democratic principles emphasizes the interconnectedness of governance, stability, and human rights. Al-Fayez further highlighted the profound impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinians and the detrimental influence of social media on democracy. His observations reflect a pressing need for reforms and collective responsibility to uphold democratic values worldwide.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
