“We need more dialogue between religions, which should spread love not hate”, says Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

Source: maltatoday.com.mt

In the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, this week’s edition of Reporter asks whether there can be limits to satire, freedom of expression and religious tolerance.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

The appalling murder of French cartoonists from the satirical publication Charlie Hebdo at the hands of Islamic extremists last week was the topic of debate on the latest edition of TV discussion programme Reporter.

Programme host Saviour Balzon asked Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, about Islam being a religion of peace, confronting him in particular with the fact that there are many who interpret passages from the Koran which advocate violence in a literal sense.

“Jihad is not about killing, it is an internal struggle. Terrorists are terrorists. Terrorism is not a religion” explained Atif. “We need more dialogue between religions, which should spread love not hate”.

Philosopher Joe Friggieri said his initial reaction to the Paris killings was one of shock. “It was cold blooded murder and no further descriptions are necessary.

“This attack was not only on the journalists themselves, but also on free journalism and freedom of expression”.

This, he said, led to the historic reaction by the French who demonstrated that they would not tolerate this manner of intolerance.

“Islamic militancy represents a minority, not the majority of Muslims. However it must be said that in the majority of Muslim countries they do not enjoy the freedom of expression and liberties that we have here. “

Friggieri described the participation of French Muslims in the protests after the shootings as a statement saying that they identify themselves as French first and foremost and Muslims second.

Balzan quizzed panel guest and cartoonist Ġorġ Mallia on cartoons that offend. “Are there limits on cartoon satire?” he asked.

Satire and offence must be judged in the