Friday, January 25, 2013

France: Charlie Hebdo Publishes 'Halal' Prophet Muhammad Comic Book Biography


France 24 quotes the editor as saying: "Before having a laugh about a character, it's better to know him. As much as we know about the life of Jesus, we know nothing about Muhammad."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Huffington Post UK
By Huffington Post | January 2, 2013

French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has published a comic book biography of the life of the prophet Muhammad despite previously sparking international protests and being firebombed after running similar caricatures.

The magazine's website claims the publication is 'halal' insisting that the comic has been researched and edited by Muslim scholars and historians.

"It is a biography authorised by Islam since it was edited by Muslims," the publisher, Stephane Charbonnier told AFP last week.

"I don't think higher Muslims could find anything inappropriate."

However the drawing of naked men wearing turbans on page one is likely to undermine their claims that the publication is edifying.

Charbonnier insists the publication is educational, teaching people to understand Muhammad.

France 24 quotes the editor as saying: "Before having a laugh about a character, it's better to know him. As much as we know about the life of Jesus, we know nothing about Muhammad."

Najat Vallaud- Belkacem, Minister of Women's Rights and government spokesperson told France 2:"I do not know what's in this publication so it is difficult to make a judgment.

"But I think we're in a country where it is always necessary to ensure a proper balance between freedom of expression and respect for law and order, the need not to throw oil on the fire" she added.

"Obviously, it is difficult to establish such a rule in the absolute, without looking at exactly what it is. I have not seen this document, it is difficult to judge,"

For Muslims it's not mocking cartoons alone that are deemed highly offensive, but any depictions of the Prophet.

Reaction to the cartoon book has so far been muted compared with previous representations by the French Weekly.

However already voices on social media are condemning the decision.




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