RFI.
The editor of satirical French paperCharlie Hebdo claims the weekly was only doing its job in publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) for the second time in two years. France is to close embassies and French schools in 20 countries on Friday for fear of protests over the cartoons’ publication.
Various comments:
- The president of French Jewish group, Crif, Richard Prasquier, called their publication “irresponsible” in the current climate;
- Foreign Minister Fabius said that it is neither “appropriate and intelligent” to “pour oil on the fire”;
- Interior Minister Manuel Valls said that all demonstrations that threaten public order will be banned, declaring freedom of expression, including caricature, a “fundamental right”;
- Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault declared that freedom of expression is “guaranteed” in France but said that “people really offended in their beliefs” could take legal action if they feel the law has been broken;
- Far-right Front National leader Marine Le Pendeclared that freedom of expression is “non-negociable” and accused mainstream politicians of failing to react when Catholics’ feelings were hurt.
Categories: Double Standard, Europe, France
UNO Secretary General’s comments are really precious. They should be taken as a base to rationalize “freedom of speech”.
Every freedom has its limits. Our freedom ends where others freedom start. We cannot enjoy a freedom by hurting others. None of the laws can ever provide a freedom to create unrest.