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Moratinos said he was following with deep concern the growing tensions and intolerance sparked by the French weekly Charlie Hebdo, which publishes satirical cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
“The inciting cartoon also provokes acts of violence against innocent civilians, who are attacked because of their religion, beliefs or ethnicity,” Moratinos said, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Thursday (10/29/2020).
He stressed that contempt for religion and sacred religious symbols provokes hatred and violent extremism, leading to polarization and fragmentation of society. (Also read: HNW: Follow the European Court of Human Rights, Macron Do not allow the Prophet Muhammad to defame)
“Freedom of expression must be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs and principles of all religions. Violent actions cannot and should not be linked to any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,” he continued.
With regard to the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, France issued a warning to its citizens living or traveling in various Muslim-majority countries. They were asked to be more attentive to waves of anger over this.
The website of the French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday contained new security tips for the citizens of Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iraq and Mauritania, warning them to exercise caution. (Also Read: Respond To The Controversy Of The Prophet Arie Untung Cartoon: “Alhamdulillah Viral”)
Additionally, the French Embassy in Turkey issues similar advice to its citizens there. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has been one of the harshest critics of the French government. The warning said that French citizens should stay away from any protests at the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad and avoid public gatherings.
“In this context, it is advisable to exercise high vigilance, especially when traveling, and in places frequented by tourists or the expatriate community,” the warning reads.
(esn)
