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January 25, 2006
Concern over Jordan's parliamentary call for the punishment of Danish cartoonists
Reporters Without Borders voiced concern today about the Jordanian parliament's call yesterday for the punishment of the cartoonist that drew 12 caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed that appeared in the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten on 30 September and were reprinted in the Norwegian publication Magazinet on 10 January.
"Islam forbids any representation of the Prophet and we realize that these cartoons may upset some people, but it is not acceptable for the parliament of a supposedly democratic country to call for the cartoonists to be punished," the press freedom organization said.
"Those who so desire may bring a complaint against the newspaper, but politicians should under no circumstances should call for direct reprisals against journalists," Reporters Without Borders continued. "The cartoonists have already received death threats and these new statements put them in further danger."
In a statement yesterday, the Jordanian parliament said the cartoons "constitute a cowardly and reprehensible crime" and urged the Norwegian and Danish authorities "to express their condemnation and disapproval of this hateful crime and to punish the perpetrators and instigators."
Source: [RSF]
I fully understand how these cartoons enraged believers, as their sole purpose seems clearly bent on stirring controversy and ridiculing some people's beliefs. It's clear people feel strongly about this, and rightly so. Actions hailed by one group as an "act of free speech" are condemned by the other as blasphemy. However, for Jordan's parliament, condemnation is one thing (and here the most prudent thing for a legislative body), but calling for outright punishment is -- like the RSF said -- "not acceptable for the parliament of a supposedly democratic country."
I hope parliamentarians are not seeking inspiration from Ayatollah Khomeini's fatwa, which called for the killing of Suleiman Rushdie over his controversial book The Satanic Verses! Moving from a body that gives voice to the people's concerns to a congress bent on holy revenge is a dangerous step in the wrong direction.
Posted by Natasha at 03:18 PM in Jordan, my nation, Media watch, Religion | 
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Comments
lol, you beat me to it natasha. i was just going to post about this less than an hour ago :-D
early bird gets the worm i guess.
Posted by: Nas | Jan 25, 2006 5:03:27 PM | Email this comment
You will get your request answered when the Danish people elect you as their representatives.
Posted by: jareer | Jan 25, 2006 7:25:53 PM | Email this comment
The purpose was to show that Muslims don't act as civil as Christians do, and therefore everyone's right to speak has been curbed by their presence in Denmark. The 12 cartoons were tame, much tamer than cartoons about Jesus have been. Yet Christians did not make any death threat, especially not credible death threats.
Posted by: Mark James | Jan 26, 2006 12:18:44 AM | Email this comment
Mark James;
On the other hand, can you see how others are attacking Christians left and right knowing that they "act as civil"; take for instance the latest of the Davinci Code will hit the theater soon; and other provocative things you hear about like "Merry Xmass "versus "happy holidays" . At least if they are confronted with a collective protest, peacful boycutt and more assertive ( and positive )stands, they will keep attacking and mocking our faith like a piece of cake.
Posted by: jareer | Jan 26, 2006 8:15:28 AM | Email this comment
I'm willing to admit the cartoons showed a lack of sensitivity,but as Mark James said,there have been worse offenses against Jesus.A certain American artist once put a crucifix in a cup of urine and displayed it as "art." Many Christians were outraged,but due to freedom of speech the display was not removed.
Is Jordan a true democracy or an Islamic kingdom? If sharia law is the basis of their society and government,then I suppose the parliament had a right and an obligation to issue such a statement.
Posted by: Dan | Jan 26, 2006 2:00:12 PM | Email this comment
Jareer, do you believe moslems have a right to punish unbelievers? Simple question... I'm not looking for an argument about freedom of expression. Just a Yes or a No.
Posted by: Craig | Jan 26, 2006 6:37:53 PM | Email this comment
No. Why do u say that? I did not imply that at all. On the other hand, I think the question is wrong, from my perspective;because I am the believer and they are not.
Posted by: jareer | Jan 26, 2006 7:13:49 PM | Email this comment
"No. Why do u say that? I did not imply that at all."
You seemed to be implying that mere protests were insufficient to "straiten out" the people who offend you, Jareer. And that's the topic of discussion here, isn't it?
The point I'm trying to make is that people who don't have the same religious beliefs that you do, cannot be expected to comply with your beliefs. Especially when you (or the government of Jordan!) attach an "or else!"
In other words, expect infidels to act like infidels, because that's what they are. Move along.
"On the other hand, I think the question is wrong, from my perspective;because I am the believer and they are not."
What does that have to do with anything? It's not a matter of "perspective" - from MY perspective, I am the believer, and moslems are the heretics. Not everyone is a moslem. Get over it! I just cannot wait untiul I see the US trying to get Jordan to punish people for offending Christian sensibilities... oooh, we can start with all those journalists who criticize teh Pope (who is infallible, don't you know), and we can end with all the jouranlists attack Christian teachings and the long and glorious history of Chrsitianty, eh?
There must be more than a few of those around! Lock em up. Then we can talk about Denmark, OK?
I think it's kinda funny that Saudi government officials are also calling for punishment on this issue... do they realize that Christianity is BANNED in the KSA?
Maybe Denmark should ban Islam... no more problems, right?
Posted by: Craig | Jan 27, 2006 4:20:59 AM | Email this comment
Craig
Remember what u said " I am not looking for an argument .. " I thought you meant it.
Posted by: jareer | Jan 27, 2006 6:36:01 AM | Email this comment
Um Craig, I hate to burst your bubble on whatever theory you're working on over there, but Jareer is Christian and Arab. Imagine. There are a few of them out there, one of which operates this blog.
Posted by: Jeff | Jan 27, 2006 9:26:48 AM | Email this comment
It seems to me that some people cannot differentiate between the concepts of freedom of expression, democracy and discouraging hatred. Jordan is an Islamic country and under the obligation to protect its people, religion and integrity and that does not conflict with it being a democratic country. We are talking about our dignity!
I believe in freedom of expression but I am sure that I can make an exception for statements and acts which despise any religion. If Christians does not like any idea in Islam, they can argue in a civil way…there is big and clear line between the civil argument and criticism and what that newspaper did.
If American Christians do not mind making fun of their religion in their movies and media, we Muslims should not be like them.
I call for boycott and follow the steps of the Saudi Gov.
Posted by: Blower | Jan 27, 2006 1:08:37 PM | Email this comment
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