The Conservative Party has invited the controversial Subjekt editor to give a speech on 17 May in Oslo, as well as to lay a wreath on Henrik Ibsen’s grave at Vår Frelser’s cemetery.
Not everyone was equally excited about that choice.
On Underskrift.no, almost 15,000 people have signed the campaign: “NO to those who publicly support rapists giving a speech on 17 May in Oslo”.
– I have never supported rape, that goes without saying. In this case, I “supported” no one, and the person it seems to be referring to is acquitted. The wording of the petition is fraudulent and misleading, and seems to be constructed to create a false impression, made by people who want to smear me, is Danby Choi’s response to the criticism.
Read also: Danby Choi receives millions in press support: Will not reveal his own salary
Critical of the appointment
Wednesday morning writing NRK that the Choi election has split Oslo’s May 17 committee.
Committee member Geir Lippestad is critical of the invitation by the Subjekt editor.
– I understand very well that it creates reactions, says party leader in Sentrum, Geir Lippestad to NRK.
Committee member and city council representative Sulaksana Sivapatham (SV) says that the matter will be a topic in the May 17 committee on Thursday.
– There will be a discussion about whether he fits the role (…) We would not have chosen him. It is a combination of many things. Beyond that, I do not want to comment further, she says to NRK.
Takes Danby on defense
On Instagram, Choi has posted a longer post in which he responds to those criticisms:
– People have tried to slander me since the day I started speaking out in public. These people think they are fighting for something good, but they are fighting AGAINST the values we celebrate on May 17. It is not the unity that makes Norway the best country in the world to live in, it is the disagreement, he writes.
The editor highlights countries such as China, North Korea, Russia and Iran, as examples of countries with agreement.
– I will never give in to people’s demands to shut up, or dance to their tune. I will continue to protest against consensus, political correctness and consensus culture. This campaign has motivated me more than ever to continue to speak out, often passionately disagreeing with the rest of the population. And I will fight to the death for the right of others to do the same. I look forward to giving a speech, he writes.
The post has been met with support from several famous faces.
Among other things, Nora Haukeland, who comments on “GOAT” (Greatest of all time jou.anm.)
– We love Danby Choi! Shut the fuck up! she says too in a video on Danby Choi’s story.
Simen Velle: – What kind of debate do we want?
Fpu leader Simen Velle also comments on the post.
– Going to put on my bunade a couple of hours before I nurse this year: JUST to see your speech Danby, he writes.
The Fpu leader exclaims to Nettavisen.
– I notice that people are trying to stop a completely legitimate voice in the debate. I think his story is good and perhaps the closest Henrik Ibsen we have in Norway today. He dares to be contrary and challenge truths.
Among other things, he highlights the cancellation debate in which Choi has been a central voice.
– I think everyone should be allowed to participate in the debate. Stopping people from speaking because you disagree with them is scary, regardless of the issue.
– Choi has probably formulated himself sloppily in the past, but what social debate do we want? If every small misstep is to be punished. I don’t think that’s healthy.