Brazen French Magazine Insists on Insulting Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Under the pretext of the so-called “freedom of expression” a French magazine said it would publish cartoon of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Charlie Hebdo, the satirical weekly magazine which published offensive caricature to Islam and Prophet Mohammad last year, said it plans to publish cartoons of the holy Prophet on Wednesday.

"We do caricatures of everyone, and above all every week, and when we do it with the Prophet, it's called provocation," the paper's editor, Stephane Charbonnier, told the news channel i>TELE.

He said that if Charlie Hebdo “stopped printing satirical work because of pressure or fear of offence, it would be reduced to selling 16 blank pages every week.”

The French government has called for restraint following the announcement of the magazine.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, asked about the publication, said any provocation now could only be condemned.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault issued a statement saying: "In the current climate, the prime minister wishes to stress his disapproval of all excess and calls on everyone to behave responsibly."

For its part, the main body representing Muslims in France, the French Muslim Council (CFCM), accused Charlie Hebdo of firing up anti-Muslim sentiment at a sensitive time.

"The CFCM is deeply attached to freedom of speech but considers that nothing can justify insult and inciting hatred," it said in a statement.

"The CFCM calls on the Muslims of France not to give in to such provocation and urges them to express their indignation calmly and in lawful manner."

Fury has already spread across the Islamic world following the broadcasting of an offensive film to Islam and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

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