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FRP leader Siv Jensen wants the Norwegian government to give Macron its unreserved support and condemn Erdogan’s behavior in the new cartoon controversy.
– What we see is a new fighting cartoon. Macron stands out as a brave man. But what it does is necessary. It is installed with reactionary forces that want to restrict freedom of expression. And then I wonder, where is the government’s moral support? Jensen tells NTB.
Also read Gunnar Stavrum’s comment: The West must stand together when liberal rights are attacked with threats
French President Emmanuel Macron is under heavy pressure from Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as from several other Muslim countries.
Macron has defended the cartoons on the basis of freedom of expression.
– I think that when France defends secular values and a freedom of expression that is under pressure, Norway should stand shoulder to shoulder with France, says Jensen.
The FRP leader’s remarks come in the wake of the shocking terrorist attack in Nice on Thursday morning, in which a woman was beheaded and two others were stabbed to death.
Latest news: Preparedness against terrorism in Nice: – At least three dead and several wounded in knife attacks on Notre-Dame church
The perpetrator is said to have acted alone and, according to local media, was shot during the arrest and is in hospital.
Watch the police storm the church to arrest the Islamist perpetrator:
Erdogan
Among other things, Erdogan has compared the way Muslims are treated in Europe to the genocide of Jews before and during World War II.
After a caricature of Erdogan in the latest issue of Charlie Hebdo, Erdogan accused the western countries, led by France, of having embarked on a new crusade.
Also read: Iran Warning: Insults to Muhammad Could Lead to Violence and Bloodshed
Jensen believes that Erdogan’s polarization along religious divisions is politically motivated.
– Represents a country that has divisions related to religious practice. He has an increasingly dictatorial way of governing. Many Turks want more secularism and a greater degree of freedom. What Erdogan does is politically and religiously motivated, says Jensen.
Denmark condemns
The FRP leader notes that Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod has clearly condemned Erdogan’s behavior.
– I have not registered anything similar from the Norwegian authorities, neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Foreign Affairs, says Jensen.
After the murder of history teacher Samuel Paty, Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) came out and said that one must stand together against attacks on freedom of thought and enlightenment. She has denied allegations that she did not use the term free speech as nonsense, but Jensen believes it is not good enough.
Also read Gunnar Stavrum’s comment: The right to freedom of expression is more important than protecting people from being hurt and raped.
– The closest that has come from the government is the concept of freedom of thought. It is a completely absurd term to use in this situation. We have freedom of thought. No one can get into other people’s heads, but statements are under pressure, Jensen says.
Clear support
Jensen says he expects a government that is much clearer on freedom of expression issues and with clear support for Macron’s line.
– One can only wonder why they are so careful, and that applies to the whole bunch of Norwegian parties that say nothing in this context, says Jensen.
Also read: No, the Muslim world is not outraged by Macron’s statements
Jensen says there have been “systematic attacks” on free speech over a long period of time and refers to, among other things, the cartoon from the previous fight in 2006 and the attack on Charlie Hebdo in 2012.
– We see attacks on a regular basis, and it is serious and you have to take strong action. The basic values of freedom come under pressure over and over again, over and over again.
(© NTB)
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