The Danish
caricatures of Muhammad have created
a cultural, political and economic
crisis all over the world. This
conflict cannot be understood within
the context of a “clash of
civilisations”. The Islamist
offensive begun in the name of
“defending Muslims’ beliefs” aims to
silence everyone who wants to
criticise or express his or her
beliefs freely. The Islamists are
going after freedom of expression
even in Europe, where it has
historically been safe. They have
built a prison and a cage for
freedom in the countries where they
hold power. But they are not
satisfied with that: they want to
put freedom of expression in Europe
in the same cage. Their goal is that
from now on, no one should be dare
to say anything against Islam or the
prophet Muhammad, even in Europe.
The recent controversy over some
caricatures of Mohammed gave the
Islamists an opportunity to wage a
hysterical protest internationally. In
many cases, this took a violent form and
was clearly aimed at silencing those who
dared to even portray Mohammed.
In these demonstrations - across the
world and in London, the very heart of
Europe - many of the banners on show
were emblazoned with shameful slogans.
These included - “Those who insult Islam
must be beheaded” and “Freedom go to
hell” plus various other fatwa’s and
threats against cartoonists and others
who have the temerity to “insult” Islam.
To defend the rights of all individuals
to be able to think freely, criticize,
be able to use their imaginations, to
have right to freedom of speech, and of
expression then join us in our protest
in front of BBC TV station in London.
The Danish
caricatures of Muhammad have created
a cultural, political and economic
crisis all over the world. This
conflict cannot be understood within
the context of a “clash of
civilisations”. The Islamist
offensive begun in the name of
“defending Muslims’ beliefs” aims to
silence everyone who wants to
criticise or express his or her
beliefs freely. The Islamists are
going after freedom of expression
even in Europe, where it has
historically been safe. They have
built a prison and a cage for
freedom in the countries where they
hold power. But they are not
satisfied with that: they want to
put freedom of expression in Europe
in the same cage. Their goal is that
from now on, no one should be dare
to say anything against Islam or the
prophet Muhammad, even in Europe.
