NEW YORK: The head of an anti-extremism body of the United Nations has expressed his « deep concern » at the growing tensions over the blasphemous caricatures of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), calling for « mutual respect » between people of different faiths and political opinions
Wednesday’s statement by Miguel Angel Moratinos – who heads the UN Alliance of Civilizations – follows growing anger in the Muslim world over France’s response to the beheading of a teacher who had shown blasphemous images to his students as part of a course on freedom of expression
President Emmanuel Macron has vigorously defended the publication of blasphemous cartoons on the grounds of freedom of expression, sparking protests of anger in parts of the Muslim world and campaigns to boycott French products
« The incendiary cartoons also sparked acts of violence against innocent civilians who were attacked for their pure religion, belief or ethnicity, » Moratinos said in the statement, without making explicit reference to the footage’s defense by Macron
« Insulting religions and sacred religious symbols causes hatred and violent extremism leading to polarization and fragmentation of society, » he warned The statement said freedom of religion and freedom of expression are « interdependent, interdependent and mutually reinforcing rights » rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
« The respect and protection of these fundamental rights are the primary responsibility of the Member States », reads the press release Many activists have criticized France for attacking sacred symbols of minorities in the name of freedom of expression
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized Macron, saying the French leader needs « mental checks » on his attitude towards Islam Senior officials in the Muslim world have condemned France and Macron, especially Pakistan, the Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Iran; while tens of thousands of people took part in protests in Bangladesh calling for a boycott of French products
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday after French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published a new cartoon depicting Erdogan In response, the Turkish president threatened to sue the magazine
Amid the escalating dispute, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote a letter on Wednesday to leaders of Muslim-majority countries, urging them « to act collectively to tackle growing Islamophobia in non-Muslim states. Muslims ”
Khan said the rulers of these countries did not understand the love and devotion Muslims around the world have for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and their divine book, the Holy Quran Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called French President’s defense of blasphemous cartoons a « stupid act » and an « insult » to those who voted for him
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World news – AU – UN official expresses « deep concern » in the face of blasphemous caricatures
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
