Twitter, in Punishing a Controversial User, Stokes Freedom of Speech Debate

The social interaction website Twitter is coming under harsh criticism from US quarters over its recent decision to grant the right to documentation to the official account of the Brotherhood "IkhwanWeb", which is notorious for instigating violence and acts of terrorism and spreading anti-Semitic propaganda.

According to the Washington Free Beacon website, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) group, which is designated as a terrorist group in Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia and other countries, is operating on the internet under the name of IkhwanWeb, which is the English-speaking mouthpiece of the terrorist group.

Such a move on part of Twitter is investing the terrorist group with legitimacy; a state of affairs which is described by experts as dangerous and rash given the history of the group in supporting terrorism.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who is an outspoken critic of the group, said that giving the Brotherhood the right to documentation will help enhance their vision on Jihad and the group will look like a legitimate group.

Meanwhile, the Washington Free Beacon indicated that IkhwanWeb has a history in encouraging violence in the Middle East especially in Egypt.

Source: MENA