As Progressive and Moderate Muslims fight back in force around the globe, Munira Mirza, a fantastic Progressive Islamic academic and defender of freedom, has published a brilliant article. Here is a clip:
Press freedom is the foundation of a free society. People don't always like what they hear or see - if it challenges their cherished beliefs, it can hurt. It might also be dangerous, as the experiences of Theo van Gogh, the murdered Dutch filmmaker and journalists operating in repressive societies such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and China, demonstrate. It might also be expensive, as Danish producers and manufacturers are discovering with the boycott of their goods. But no matter the price, the principle must be defended. Unless we stand up for freedom of speech, we are unable to engage freely and hold belief systems - of all kinds - to account. Unfortunately, too many politicians and journalists are unwilling to make this stand, wanting above all a quiet (and safe) life.
Censorship in the West bolsters the moral authority of leaders in the Middle East to censor their own citizens. Indeed, the religious leaders in Saudi Arabia and Palestine have been opportunistic in using the story as a way of galvanising support and reinforcing the view that only they can protect Muslims from victimisation. Counter to the claims of unelected 'community leaders', Muslims do not benefit from censorship. In Denmark, large numbers of moderate Muslims have sought to oppose the stranglehold of extremist Muslim lobby groups who claim to represent them. In Arhus, they have organised counter-demonstrations. One Muslim city councillor who was involved said: 'There is a large group of Muslims in this city who want to live in a secular society and adhere to the principle that religion is an issue between them and God and not something that should involve society.' It turns out that those sympathetic lefty anti-racists who believe censorship will protect Muslims are actually missing the point. Many Muslims want the same freedoms as everyone else to debate, criticise and challenge their religion.
Her full story article be found here
Meanwhile as the cartoon story unfolded over the weekend, newspapers in Malaysia, Japan, Ukraine, Romania, South Africa, Israel and Australia have now published the cartoons in solidarity with their Danish colleagues and Freedom of Press values. The Philadelphia Inquirer has also become the largest USA newspaper to publish the cartoons.
The Malaysia is case is particularly interesting. The Sarawak Tribune published some of the cartoons over the weekend. The editor then immediately resigned. Sarawak is the home of the Iban tribal people who are both Christian and Animistic and have long-suffered under the yoke of the oppressive Government regime in Kuala Lumpur, which while claiming to be secular, is very Fundamentaist Islamic and very repressive to both Christian and Tribal religions. While this story is in progress it seems like this was done by the Editor as a protest by the Iban people against the Government oppression and in defense of their own tribal and local values.
Australian entered the fray, with the largest Queensland newspaper, the Brisbane Courrier Mail publishing some cartoons.
Israel as well with the Jerusalem Post publishing the cartoons, as did the South African Mail and Courrier which seemed to beat the Court imposed injunction.
In Romania, two papers published pictures of other papers containing pictures of the cartoons. Oh well brave enough.
It is also emerging on CNN that a second, smaller Jordanian newspaper, Al-Mehwar, originally published the cartoons on the same day that Al-Shihan published them. Der Spiegel publised a news article yesterday that both editors who had been arrested were released and charges dropped. However I have not seen this confirmed elsewhere.
Reporters without Borders is continuing to follow the situation closely. Please visit their website and contribute generously here.
Unfortunately, a tiny minority of Fundamentailists continue their violent actions, damaging the Danish Consulate in Jakarta and the Austrian Embassy in Teheran. CNN and BBC are reporting upto 5 people have now died in violent clashes in Afghanistan and Somalia.
However despite the violence of a few, it would now seem that useful dialogues are emerging between groups of Moderate and Progressive Muslims with Goverments and Media, to take control of and find constructive solutions to the situation at least within individual European countries like Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and UK.
In conclusion, Kossacks please support the Moderate and Progressive Muslims who are supporting your rights of Free Speech, Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression around the world. We owe them that much for their bravery and commitment to Freedom.