Freedom of thought, speech, press  and printing should be guaranteed within the perimeter of law through numerous rights instruments. But such freedom may not be abused in any way which is contrary to public interest, public order, public safety, and public morals.  Everyone should be allowed to express in his or her private transactions or  cultural matters or in the press or any other publications or in public meetings. 

This freedom of speech is also guaranteed under international law, notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights,  although implementation remains lacking in many countries.

In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country, although the degree of freedom varies greatly in many countries.  Article 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of Sudan provides that “every citizen has the right to seek any knowledge or adopt any faith, in opinion or thought, without being coerced by the authorities. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression, to receive information, to publish and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to restrictions necessary to security, public order, public safety, public morals and in accordance with law.”

Article 39 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia states that “information, publication, and all other media shall employ courteous language and the state's regulations, and they shall contribute to the education of the nation and the bolstering of its unity. All acts that foster sedition or division or harm the state's security and its public relations or detract from man's dignity and rights shall be prohibited.” 

Article 23 of the Bahrain Constitution reveals that “freedom of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed. Everyone has the right to express his opinion and publish it by word of mouth, in writing or otherwise under the rules and conditions laid down by law, provided that the fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine are not infringed, the unity of the people is not prejudiced, and discord or sectarianism is not aroused. To be more specific, freedom of expression is also guaranteed by the Philippine constitution.

In Islam, a person is free to express against evils and mal-practices and even if it is contrary to his personal will. It is among the indicators of people’s empowerment.  The heightening of such expression is obtainable in Islamic-democratic society. It  is a significant factor for the success of any political leadership.

It is obvious that in Ranao, Lanao del Sur and Marawi  City in the Philippines, people are now free to express their thought and ideas through different channels of information. Experienced and knowledgeable persons can now share their insights and comments leading towards socio-economic development.

This development paves the smooth operation of radio talk programs and other channel information.  The Tarompong sa Ranao Radio Forum, Inc. serves as channel of information of the general public with tact and prudence. It  serves as a: reliable information to the general public using VHF two-way radios and other available communication facilities; venue of interaction and in-deep discussion on the prevailing issues and problems affecting the well being of the general public; mediator in conducting, sponsoring, implementing and coordinating in the implementation of programs, projects and activities geared towards sustainable development; and means in time of emergencies in close coordination with the duly authorities in the area.

Subject to the rules of slander, anyone who can say something on any issue, no matter how  true or irrelevant it may be, can do so.  In some places, only those information which can satisfy the desires of those who are in authority could be  freely spoken in public.
 
In the different masajid (mosques),  khatib (one who delivers Islamic sermons) can freely express the knowledge of Islam even if it against the desires of individuals or people in authority so  long as it is for the good of the Muslim society.

Demonstration and rallies become more and more evident in many countries of the world.  I remember the series of demonstration and rallies across the world against the controversial novel “SatanicVerses”.  This demonstration was participated by the different sectors of the Muslim Ummah.