The Muslim Council of Britain
Press statement
Don’t be provoked by mischievous elements over cartoon row
The Muslim Council of Britain is deeply concerned by the
continuing refusal of several European newspapers to understand and
acknowledge the immense hurt they have caused to Muslims the world over by
printing gratuitously offensive caricatures of the blessed Prophet
Muhammad.
"We reiterate our absolute condemnation of the decision to
publish these images in Denmark and view their republication in other
European countries as a deliberate and senseless act of provocation.
Newspaper editors must exercise restraint and good judgement instead of
adding to the increasingly xenophobic tone being adopted in parts of
Europe against Muslims. These newspapers should apologise immediately for
the harm they have caused," said Sir Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of
the Muslim Council of Britain.
The MCB acknowledges the fundamental right of peoples of
all faiths to freedom of speech and expression. This does not mean,
however, that they should be free to create social unrest and instability.
Neither should that freedom be abused to undermine national interests at
home and abroad.
Inevitably, some elements may seek to exploit this current
crisis to provoke negative or extreme reactions among Muslims. The MCB
urges fellow British Muslims to exercise the utmost restraint in the face
of these provocations.
"There may be elements that would want to exploit the
genuine sense of anguish and hurt among British Muslims about the manner
in which the prophet has been vilified to pursue their own mischievous
agenda. We would caution all British Muslims to not allow themselves to be
provoked. They should respond peacefully and with dignity at all times,"
added Sir Iqbal.
February 3, 2006.
http://www.mcb.org.uk/media/presstext.php?ann_id=187