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Monday, March 31, 2008

LiveLeak Tightens Security and Reactivates Geert Wilders Fitna Film

LiveLeak, in the name of free speech and freedom of expression has allowed the controversial Geert Wilders' film to be shown and after having members of their staff physically threatened, they removed the film.

The have now tighten security and restored the film to its original URL. (Hat Tip A Blog For All)

Statement on the LiveLeak URL says:

On the 28th of March LiveLeak.com was left with no other choice but to remove the film "fitna" from our servers following serious threats to our staff and their families. Since that time we have worked constantly on upgrading all security measures thus offering better protection for our staff and families. With these measures in place we have decided to once more make this video live on our site. We will not be pressured into censoring material which is legal and within our rules. We apologise for the removal and the delay in getting it back, but when you run a website you don't consider that some people would be insecure enough to threaten our lives simply because they do not like the content of a video we neither produced nor endorsed but merely hosted.




LiveLeaks statement when they originally took the Fitna Film down said:

Following threats to our staff of a very serious nature, and some ill informed reports from certain corners of the British media that could directly lead to the harm of some of our staff, Liveleak.com has been left with no other choice but to remove Fitna from our servers.

This is a sad day for freedom of speech on the net but we have to place the safety and well being of our staff above all else. We would like to thank the thousands of people, from all backgrounds and religions, who gave us their support. They realised LiveLeak.com is a vehicle for many opinions and not just for the support of one.
Perhaps there is still hope that this situation may produce a discussion that could benefit and educate all of us as to how we can accept one anothers culture.
We stood for what we believe in, the ability to be heard, but in the end the price was too high.


Brave move by LiveLeak to restore the film and a welcome stand for free speech in doing so.

All WUA posts regarding this film all on one page, right here.

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