Lale Gül: Threats Force Dutch Journalist into Hiding

Living Under a Shadow: An Interview with Gül

GUl, a young commentator known for her sharp critiques, has faced escalating threats for her outspoken views. She spoke with Archyde about the impact these threats have had on her life and her unwavering commitment to free speech.

Archyde: You’ve been labeled “unapologetically critical” of Islam by some. How do you respond to this characterization?

Gül: I think that’s an oversimplification. I’ve never mocked the faith,though people say that about me. Theo van Gogh went much further than I ever have. In an ideal world, I’d be as outspoken about Christianity as Youp van ‘t Hek is, but I know that if I did that, I could be in real danger.

Archyde: That statement brings up the subject of threats. Can you tell us more about the nature of these threats and how frequently you experience them?

Gül: The threats always come from Muslims who are angry about my words. I’ve reported these incidents to the authorities, but I haven’t seen any legal repercussions yet.

Archyde: Have these threats forced you to make any changes to your life?

Gül: Absolutely. I’m 27, and I’ve had to make drastic changes. I left Amsterdam for a quieter, rural community. I hardly go outside alone anymore. When I do have to go out,I wear a disguise,even to the grocery store.In multicultural cities,I just avoid going out on the street altogether.

Archyde: How do you cope with the constant threat of violence?

Gül: Of course,it scares me. But I try to push those feelings aside because I don’t want to live in fear. That’s not a life worth living. I want to be able to enjoy myself. I pretend it doesn’t exist.

Archyde: You understand the need for security at public events, yet you don’t seem keen on constant protection. Why is that?

Gül: Security personnel are essential for public appearances, but I don’t want that to be my life.It doesn’t sound appealing to me either.

Archyde: Gül, thank you for your courage and your willingness to speak out. Your story raises a crucial question for our society: where should the line be drawn between freedom of speech and the right to safety? Where do you think that line lies?

How has Gül’s outspoken commentary affected her personal safety and daily life?

Living Under a Shadow: An Interview with Gül

Gül, a young commentator known for her sharp critiques, has faced escalating threats for her outspoken views. She spoke with Archyde about the impact these threats have had on her life and her unwavering commitment to free speech.

A Voice Silenced?

Archyde: You’ve been labeled “unapologetically critical” of Islam by some. How do you respond to this characterization?

Gül: I think that’s an oversimplification. I’ve never mocked the faith, though people say that about me. Theo van gogh went much further than I ever have. In an ideal world, I’d be as outspoken about Christianity as Youp van ‘t Hek is, but I know that if I did that, I could be in real danger.

Living on Edge

Archyde: That statement brings up the subject of threats.Can you tell us more about the nature of these threats and how frequently you experience them?

Gül: The threats always come from Muslims who are angry about my words. I’ve reported these incidents to the authorities, but I haven’t seen any legal repercussions yet.

The Price of Free Speech

Archyde: Have these threats forced you to make any changes to your life?

Gül: Absolutely. I’m 27, and I’ve had to make drastic changes. I left Amsterdam for a quieter, rural community. I hardly go outside alone anymore. When I do have to go out, I wear a disguise, even to the grocery store. In multicultural cities, I just avoid going out on the street altogether.

Finding Courage in the Face of Fear

Archyde: How do you cope with the constant threat of violence?

Gül: Of course, it scares me. But I try to push those feelings aside because I don’t want to live in fear. That’s not a life worth living.I want to be able to enjoy myself. I pretend it doesn’t exist.

Security and the personal Toll

Archyde: You understand the need for security at public events, yet you don’t seem keen on constant protection. Why is that?

Gül: Security personnel are essential for public appearances, but I don’t want that to be my life. It doesn’t sound appealing to me either.

Where Do We Draw the Line?

Archyde: Gül, thank you for your courage and your willingness to speak out. Your story raises a crucial question for our society: where should the line be drawn between freedom of speech and the right to safety? Where do you think that line lies?