I've got your "offensive Islam" right here!!
Posted on 01/09/2006 1:05:09 PM PST by Pikamax
Danish Muslims to Appeal Drawings Decision
By JAN M. OLSEN Associated Press Writer
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A regional prosecutor said he would not file charges against a newspaper that published contentious caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad, and Danish Muslim groups said Monday they would appeal.
"We cannot understand the decision," said Ahmad Akkari, a spokesman for a coalition of 11 community groups, adding that they would take their complaints to Denmark's top prosecutor.
He said the 12 caricatures, published Sept. 30 in the Jyllands-Posten daily, were a "clear offense to Islam."
State prosecutor Peter Broendt Joergensen said Saturday the drawings were protected by Denmark's freedom of speech laws and did not violate bans on racism and blasphemy.
Egypt has been spearheading foreign criticism of Denmark over the cartoons. While Egypt "respects freedom of opinion and expression, we also realize the borders which must never be crossed," Egypt's official Middle East News Agency quoted Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit as saying Monday after he was informed of the prosecutor's decision by his Danish counterpart.
Islamic tradition bars any depiction of the prophet, even respectful ones, out of concern that such images could lead to idolatry.
One cartoon shows Muhammad wearing a turban shaped as a bomb with a burning fuse. Another portrays him with a bushy gray beard and holding a sword, his eyes covered by a black rectangle. A third pictures a middle-aged prophet standing in the desert with a walking stick in front of a donkey and a sunset. A fourth depicts a schoolboy near a blackboard.
Twelve artists submitted cartoons after the newspaper asked 40 to submit images in what it called a test of whether people would censor themselves for fear of provoking Muslims.
The paper refused to apologize for publishing the drawings, citing freedom of speech _ a right cherished in this northern European country of 5.4 million that also refused to prosecute an artist who depicted a crucified Jesus Christ with an erection.
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen rejected calls that he intervene after the caricatures sparked harsh criticism from some Muslim leaders at home and overseas, saying the government has no say over media.
But in a New Year's speech widely seen as an attempt to calm emotions over the issue, Rasmussen condemned "any expression, action or indication that attempts to demonize groups of people on the basis of their religion or ethnic background."
The dispute has created a backlash against Danish Muslim groups, who critics say blew the matter out of proportion by asking Muslim countries to pressure the Danish government to act against the paper.
In her weekly newsletter, Pia Kjaersgaard, the leader of the anti-immigration Danish People's Party, accused some Danish Muslim leaders of conducting a "defamation campaign against the country they live in."
Abdul Wahid Petersen, a leading imam in Denmark, defended the decision to request help from abroad.
"When someone offends the prophet, it is not only just a local problem but affects Muslims worldwide," he said Monday on Danish public radio.
Yeah, like they know what Mohammad looks like! These guys wouldn't know criticism if it slapped them upside their rag heads!
"Islamic tradition bars any depiction of the prophet, even respectful ones, out of concern that such images could lead to idolatry."
And we westerners, infidals, free thinkers, idol worshipers, Christians, atheists, individuals, free people do NOT embrace the "Islamic tradition" nor must we embrace or even respect the "Islamic tradition" by any fair law. The "Islamic tradition" is TERRORISM...and whining, whining.
Soon, Islamics/Muslims will be shunned throughout the world.
Would that it were so.
You may not see the response coming. Van Gogh didn't.
Dem Danes are finally getting real tough on Islamists, they're actually drawing unflattering representations of the Prophet. What's next? Water Balloons?
Van Gogh knew Islam very well. He knew the most likely result of bringing Islam's dark side out into the light. He did it anyway.
He was a brave man, doing what needed to be done, and never mind the cost.
You signed up today to defend Islam from the "threat" of free speech? Don't think you will be here long.
I remember being distinctly repulsed by the celebrating and cheering by Palestinians in the streets at the carnage caused on 9/11. I don't think Muslims care about my feelings and emotions.
What about all the religious Muslims and Imams who justify and approve of 9/11?
I can't understand your English well enough to answer. Isn't America Great?
Islam is an offense to mankind
Would a cartoon of their prophet eating a ham sandwich in hell offend them? Just asking as I look for some paper and a pen.
I've got your "offensive Islam" right here!!
It is sad that you banned me because I respond to all the shit u r posting here. And the funny thing they call it freepublic. I think people like you are shame not only on the western culture but on the whole world. Because u represent a hate culture that want to bring humans to the animal style of living. if u r upset with some people who did attack u they dont represent a percent of muslims, and I know pigs like u here dont represent a majority in the western world. ban me again ass whores
He didn't ban you, the Admin did.
And IB4TZ!
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