LD 16 Asm Dem Primary Candidate Mahmoud Desouky: “Protecting and Advancing Free Speech”
The following was taken from the campaign site of LD 16 Assembly Democratic Primary (June 10) candidate Mahmoud Desouky who is challenging the two incumbent candidates who made a false felony accusation against this editor Freiman and Drulis. I consider them as staunch supporters of fascist repression of people they disagree with as I could have ended up dying in prison. While Desouky does not explicitly refer to IHRA in his free speech platform – he amply elaborates his view. This statement is likely the clearest free speech platform of any Democratic Party Assembly candidate based on their platform sites. There are several notable supporters of our free speech rights in the June 10 Democratic Primary but thus far this is the clearest statement supporting free speech among those who have put their support for free speech on the record. Hopefully the example will be followed for those who have not found their words yet to defend NJ’s free speech rights. LD 16 voters in the June 10 Democratic Primary can safely assume that a vote for Desouky is a vote to protect our free speech. This editor urges bullet vote – not to vote for Freiman or Drulis – either write in “Free Palestine”, “Free Speech”, a designated write-in candidate or simply only vote for 1 – that is the most powerful way to make your vote count and improve Desouky’s chances.
“A vote for Freiman and / or Drulis is a vote for fascism!”- Bob Witanek, FightBackBetter editor
Protecting and Advancing Free Speech
Living in America as a young activist and as a former student leader at Rutgers University, Mahmoud understands firsthand the importance of free speech in our daily lives and how crucial it is for our First Amendment rights to be upheld, especially under the vicious attacks by the Trump administration. Mahmoud believes that free speech is a pillar of democracy and is of utmost importance when fostering innovation, civic engagement and providing an environment where a community can thrive. However, we find that today, many of our voices are getting suppressed–whether in schools, workplaces, or even online spaces. Mahmoud believes that protecting free speech is about upholding our constitutional rights and ensuring that all residents, regardless of background or belief, can participate fairly in the public discourse.
In the past few years, we’ve seen growing concerns over speech restrictions on college campuses and other public spaces nationwide. As an Assembly member, Mahmoud will never fail to support legislation advocating for free expression, especially regarding college campuses and workplace settings. Mahmoud will fight to ensure that New Jersey remains a place where diverse perspectives can be shared openly and respectfully. Whether it’s ensuring that students can engage in meaningful debate or that small business owners can advocate for their needs without fear of backlash, Mahmoud will work to safeguard free expression for all.
The Trump administration has actively sought to undermine our First Amendment protections, introducing dangerous precedents threatening these rights, however, Mahmoud aims to ensure that no political agenda can erode the fundamental freedoms that allow our communities to thrive. For Mahmoud, free speech is more than a legal right. It is a fundamental value that must be protected.
