The answer to that question is not altogether clear. The Canadian government and its allies raid the public treasury to persecute a man for questions he has asked, while this brave man has to spend his own money and whatever he can raise from voluntary supporters and benefactors. No doubt there were acts of evil done by the white man. No doubt there were acts of evil done by the red man. There were many other such stories in 1997 and many continuing right now.
Freedom of speech is obviously vital to intellectual progress.
It's under attack in many other areas too. You can surely think of other trouble spots as well. I hope you find this interesting.