Furthermore, Deng briefly allowed free speech to flourish, thus permitting open and public criticism of the government to take place.

Mr. Maryk never permitted criticism of the captain in his presence.

He even permits open criticism of the war by Andrei Sakharov.

Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or the royal family.

It was the most liberal German state and, unlike its neighbours, permitted a free press and criticism of the ruler.

The best prospects for a renewal of Islamic culture are, he maintains, in the West, because no Muslim society permits independent intellectual criticism.

And President Hosni Mubarak, though hardly democratic, still permitted considerable debate and criticism in the press.

Absent an effort to establish a dialogue that permits respectful criticism and disagreement, the war on terrorism will surely fail.

Assad told me he had moved to open general debate in Syria, permitting new criticism of the regime.

Despite this royal wish, Thai state authorities have steadfastly refused to permit not just criticism but what they deem to be inappropriate discussion.