Freedom of speech in La Rossa
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Freedom of speech and expression has often been restricted by La Rossa's government. Although expression has remained relatively free throughout most of the nation's history, several periods have been marked by extensive government repression of dissent, and the right to freedom of expression remains strongly regulated by the state. The Republic of La Rossa offers no innate protection for the liberty of thought, and all mass-distributed forms of expression must pass through government censors before publishing, especially in the case of written and broadcasted media, over which the Rossan state holds an exclusive monopoly over.
History
Restrictions on speech
Originally invented in 709 TT in Buglio by Fabio Fontana, the printing press soon proved to be a revolutionary invention. For the first time providing the capability of mass-distribution of text and illustration, the power it held soon became apparent to the ruling aristocracy. Before the invention had been able to fully spread across the island, knowing that its establishment would allow for the spread of information unseen before, Dux Niccolò Barozzo di Tolia proclaimed a decree ordering all such devices become property of the Dux and the Rossan state. With power to create as much as to destroy, the aristocracy had ensured that the use of its technology would produce success, without attack on their power.
Since the reign of Dux Michelangelo Giannone di Salino (106-92 TT), the government's hold over the printing industry has diminished from its historical heights. Led to power in the aftermath of the Spirit Revolution, which saw rebels taking over the nation's printing facilities before being swiftly crushed, the Dux offered freedoms in exchange for a return to stability. Greatly liberalizing access, the right to use the state-owned presses has been accessible to citizens of the island capable of covering the cost of printing. At the same time, the Press Commission, appointed by the Dux, has been established, tasked with reviewing, and given power of rejecting, any order of 64 copies or more, in accordance with the current regulations imposed by law.
While censorship has prevented a number of works from ever being distributed through officially-sanctioned copies, the expanded access to printing technologies began a scientific and cultural revolution known as the Rossan Golden Age.