My uncle has always encouraged me to avoid speaking lashon hara. "Will these words bring me closer to or further from this person?" is his usual response. However, is it ever justified to speak ill of someone?
For example, can we speak lashon hara in an attempt to expose evil and promote justice in the world? Is speaking badly about Kim Jong-un justified? Is it OK to demonize corrupt institutions and leaders?
My feeling is that the prohibition against lashon hara does not protect the guilty. It is perfectly acceptable to expose people for engaging in evil acts that bring about suffering in the world.
Is this correct?