Madam, - Two criminal trials are currently being prepared in European Countries that are offensive to the concept of free speech. One is dealing with a courageous writer seeking to expose the crimes of his country and the other relates to a discredited "historian" who seeks to deny the greatest crime in world history.
Turkey is bringing its case against Orhan Pamuk for his statements highlighting the Turkish genocide of the Armenian people. At the same time Austria is bringing a case against David Irving for statements he made denying the German genocide of the Jewish people.
However different the sentiments of both men, the two trials offend fundamental liberties of citizens and as such are similar. The irony is that Austria is leading the challenge to Turkey's membership of the European Union, citing human rights concerns. However its prosecution of Irving violates human rights just as Turkey's prosecution violates the rights of Mr Pamuk.
This analogy in no way seeks to equate the two men, one being a magnificent writer and brave political activist, the other a pathetic fool. Whatever their views, both men should be freed. - Yours, etc,
PETER MALONE,
Mount Falcon,
Borrisokane,
Co Tipperary.