Setting aside a public space to promote free speech

Free speech is at the heart of democracy across the globe. The Greek writer Homer said it was every man's right; the French philosopher Voltaire would have died to protect it; and former Czech President Vclav Havel believed it to be the cornerstone of democratic life.

Since the Velvet Revolution, and thanks largely to Havel's leadership afterward, free speech has become an accepted civic right in the Czech Republic over the past 20 years.

In 2004, Prague even saw the establishment of its own Speakers' Corner, inspired by the famous Hyde Park platform in London where anyone can come and express their views.

British expat Euan Edworthy, who has been based in Prague since 1994, was behind the establishment of the Prague Speakers' Corner, and is now a trustee of the international charity Speakers' Corner Trust which grew out of his original idea.

Speakers' Corner has spread internationally, including to Berlin.

"We wanted to create a forum where people could express their opinions and not be scared," he said. "Speakers' Corner is a landmark for freedom of speech in the sense that, if anyone came and tried to bulldoze it, it would be a huge thing."

From its launch pad in Prague six years ago, Speakers' Corner Trust has grown and unveiled a number of Speakers' Corners across the globe, from Berlin to Abuja, Nigeria.

"It was born as a pipe dream. Now it has evolved into a UK-based, international charity," Edworthy said.

Speakers' Corner Trust is now run by director Peter Bradley, a former Labor MP, and backed by major sponsors and supporters, including the UK Justice Ministry and Google.

Edworthy said there are plans in place to expand further in the Central and East European region, as well as focusing on developing the outpost in Nigeria.

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Setting aside a public space to promote free speech