OIC: Republishing of Abusive Cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, by French Charlie Hebdo Newspaper, is an affront to Islam and a Provocation to Feelings of Muslims

Date: 02/09/2020

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has renewed its strong condemnation of the republishing of the abusive cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, by the French publication, Charlie Hebdo. The OIC asserted that such irresponsible behavior runs counter to the freedom of expression and is rather a provocation to the feelings of more than a billion and a half Muslims around the world. "It is inconsistent with international norms that call for respecting others' feelings and preserving the values ​​of dialogue and coexistence," added the OIC noting that such reckless practices fuel extremism, violence, and terrorism, encourage anti-Muslim sentiments, and deepens the phenomenon of Islamophobia.

Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, the OIC's Secretary-General, expressed his concern over this matter, which contravenes international human rights norms, notably the freedom of religion. Al-Othaimeen underscored the importance of galvanizing international concerted efforts to combat religious extremism and terrorism and call for peace, dialogue, and tolerance, stressing that it is high time to put in place internationally binding legal instruments to prevent incitement, racism, discrimination, and religious hatred while boosting respect for all religions.

Al-Othaimeen emphasized that Islamophobic acts violate the freedom of religion and belief guaranteed by international laws. "Such acts constitute a grave offense to more than a billion and a half Muslims and are an affront to all conscientious peoples in the world. They sow discord between peoples and societies and undermines the very principles of the freedom of expression," stated the OIC's Secretary-General noting that freedom of expression does not mean offending others' feelings. He called for all to observe the universal principles of respect for religions and promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding, and cooperation conducive to the world of peace and harmony.

The OIC called on local authorities and international organizations to enact effective laws that address Islamophobia and criminalize defamation of religions, and activate the relevant existing resolutions, including the Resolution 16/18 upheld by the United Nation on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization , and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief.

Other Press