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By Paul Dijks 4 November 2018

Alice Weidel Facebook - S-F / shutterstock.com

In what some might say resembles fascism, a group of students at Oxford University have called for the no-platforming of the leader of Germany’s largest opposition party and disallowing her from speaking at the Oxford Union.
Alice Weidel is the leader of the anti-migration German party, the AfD, and is whom the Oxford Labour Muslim Network have organised and signed a letter in attempts to block Alice from speaking. The letter was signed by students, professors and alumni.
Alice Weidel, 39, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was invited to speak by the debating society despite anger from professors and students.

In the most recent German election, the AfD won more than 90 seats in the Bundestag and gained seats in every single German state Parliament.
The letter from the group seemingly unable to allow another opinion for fear of it being received more positively than theirs asks for the Union “to show duty of care and respect for Oxford’s diverse communities” by not allowing…diversity.
It also says: “Platforming hate speech must not be conflated with freedom of speech,” which they say is a “political fig leaf”.
A spokesperson from the Oxford Union has firmly and rightly responded saying: “Alice Weidel is the leader of the largest opposition party in the German Parliament. After Dr Weidel’s speech in the Union’s debating Chamber, members will be welcome to ask her questions, and challenge her views if they wish.”
The leader of Germany’s main right-wing party has pulled out of the talk at the Oxford Union next week, citing security concerns after protests against her appearance.
It’s ironic that Hitler came to power by sending violent thugs to beat, intimidate, and silence those who disagreed with him in public meetings, town halls, and open air events. He silenced his opposition this way and muted freedom of speech, eventually installing himself as one of the worst fascist dictators of the 20th century.

Democracy is only democracy when all views are heard and discussed, dissected and challenged.