Claudiu Năsui: “The Murder of Charlie Kirk Is an Ideological Attack on Freedom of Speech”

In an exclusive interview for Hasta aquí hemos llegado, our program hosted by Attorney Maria Herrera Mellado, we had the opportunity to speak with Claudiu Năsui, current Romanian deputy and former Minister of Economy, who shared his analysis on the recent events that have shaken the United States: the murder of Charlie Kirk and, days earlier, the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska.

With a reflective and firm tone, Năsui highlighted the severity of the crimes and their direct connection to ideology. “It is absolutely horrible. I used to watch Charlie Kirk. You can agree or disagree with him, partially or fully, but violence is never justified,” he commented. He emphasized that Kirk was a true beacon of debate and discussion, where ideas were resolved with words, never with weapons.

An Ideologically Motivated Murder

The Romanian deputy was categorical in labeling Kirk’s death as an ideologically motivated murder. “The fact that he was so brutally killed yesterday because of his opinions was an ideologically motivated murder,” he stated. Năsui contrasted this case with that of Iryna Zarutska, whose death still raises questions about the exact motives: “Maybe it was a racial crime, maybe it was ideological—we do not know for sure. But in the case of Charlie Kirk, we know it was ideology, so I think it is absolutely horrible.”

For him, these events are not isolated but reflect the fragility of freedom of expression and democracy when leaders or influencers representing opposing ideas are attacked.

Freedom of Speech as a Global Beacon

From his perspective in Europe, Năsui emphasized the international impact of Charlie Kirk’s murder: “I hope freedom of speech is not dead in the U.S., and I say this because the United States is a beacon of freedom. People look to the U.S. to see an example of liberty, and especially of freedom of speech.”

The legislator noted that violence against figures like Kirk and Zarutska has repercussions beyond the United States, affecting the global perception of fundamental rights and respect for divergent ideas.

Justice and Exemplary Consequences

Năsui did not hesitate to express his stance on the need for strong penalties for those responsible: “I hope the people who committed both murders receive the maximum possible penalty and are made an example because they have shaken the foundations of freedom and democracy.”

At the end of the interview, Maria Herrera Mellado asked him directly if he considered freedom of speech to be in danger in the U.S. Năsui responded with a mix of concern and hope: “If you are aware of what happened yesterday in the United States, it is the sudden and tragic loss of the most influential figure among youth. It is so sad… I hope freedom of speech endures and that we can learn from this to protect fundamental rights.”

With a clear analysis and an international perspective, Claudiu Năsui reminded the audience that the murders of Kirk and Zarutska are not isolated incidents, but an urgent call to defend freedom of speech, democratic values, and the safety of those who represent opposing ideas in a society that must remain open to debate and dialogue.