When is free speech free?

      A lot of TV news on French TV is concerned with the riots in Muslim countries following the obscure and badly-produced American film which was uncomplimentary about the Prophet Mohammed. American Embassies were attacked by mobs and some staff were even killed, together with a number of demonstrators. Is this the fault of the film maker or of religious fury and intolerance on the part of Muslims, whose sacred faith had been denigrated?
   And this week we have had an even more flagrant meddling with this already boiling-over pot. The satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, a sort of French version of Private Eye, has published cartoons of the Prophet in the name of free speech showing him pushing a Jew in a wheelchair  and being photographed with naked buttocks as an analogy with the Princess` unfortunate exposure and suggesting that Jews and Muslims cannot be mentioned without serious legal or riot sanctions. Further riots directed against French interests have already started and French schools and Embassies had to be closed as a precaution on Friday. Is it right for this scurrilous rag to be able to say whatever it wants? Will they be held responsible for the damage resulting?
  I would like to describe a further instance of an insult to religion. There is a well-produced advert on French TV at the moment for beef, It shows a sort of baronial hall filled with a crowd of demons and demonesses awaiting their dinner, a nice joint of beef, done `å point`. The infernal inhabitants are shown with red faces and little horns but are non-frightening and seem to be enjoying themselves. As the joint is served, the door of the hall swings open and a figure enters, obviously depicting Jesus, dressed in white robes and followed by a crowd of winged angels and cherubs. In a moment these visitors take their place at table interspersed with the demons and a cheerful, friendly meal commences, even with kisses exchanged between the two sides. The succulent joint is shown again in close-up and the point is made that beef encourages friendship. Am I shocked at the use of our Saviour, used in an advert? Perhaps I should be and indeed I find it in poor taste. I will not, however be leading a riot before the HQ of French TV...
  Should `Free Speech` be completely unfettered? There are those who say it should be, but there are already limits. I cannot publish untrue and libellous comments about you, dear reader without fear of legal sanctions. It is illegal in France to suggest that the persecution of Jews during the war is untrue propaganda, and stirring racial or religious hatred is sanctioned legally.
  I don`t know the answer but perhaps the key lies in the word `legal` . I feel the Muslims are doing themselves no favours by illegal and threatening riots and disproportionate reactions, and indeed the leaders of the Muslims in France are trying to persuade their followers to prefer peaceful protests at the insult to their religion. Perhaps it boils down to a lack of politeness and good taste, sadly lacking in modern society.  What do you think?