Free Speech Union celebrates public’s ability to deliberate on Barry v Milne case

17 April 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Speech Union celebrates public’s ability to deliberate on Barry v Milne case

Open justice is central to liberal democracy, and it is only possible through free speech. We’re pleased that, as part of our engagement in the Harmful Digital Communications case that has been brought against former-Lower Hutt City Councillor Chris Milne by Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, the public is now aware of these proceedings, and is able to form its own opinion on the merits of the claim, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

“The Harmful Digital Communications Act is often weaponised to silence legitimate online commentary. This issue is severely compounded when a political actor uses it to silence political critique, and significantly even more so when the very existence of these proceedings is suppressed by the Court. We are pleased that, partially as a result of the support provided by the Free Speech Union, Lower Hutt residents know about this case and can discuss it openly.   

“It is not the job of the Free Speech Union to tell the public what to think on this case, or any other. It is our job to ensure they are able to know about issues such as this and form their own opinions.

“We have supported Mr. Milne as a member of the Union financially and with support in kind through this process. As our interest in this case was to ensure the public’s right to access information related to this case, and to discuss it openly, our involvement has come to an end.  

“Suppression of political criticism through lawfare in the name of ‘emotional safety’ shows the sorry state of our public discourse. We trust in due course, Milne’s right to free speech will be vindicated."