D. L. Hughley -- Rihanna and Dwight Howard Lied ... They Meant to Tweet #FreePalestine

Rihanna and Dwight Howard may say their tweets in support of Palestine were accidental -- but D.L. Hughley thinks they only hit delete because of social media pressure.

Hughley told us he believes the #FreePalestine tweets were intentional, and Dwight and RiRi should never have backed down -- with excuses and apologies -- if that's how they really feel.

But the comedian, who's been known to get political himself, added they shouldn't be bullied ... "I don't think they should be shouted down, no matter whether I agree with them or not."