Where is the Muslim outrage over the attempts by "three peaceful followers of Islam" to assasinate a cartoonist?

Larry, Orlando, FL, USA

It's sad to see muslims and especially the prophet depicted as terroists. I wonder how the West would behave if it was being being killed, tortured and raped so systematically like the muslim word at this moment in history and in fact over the last centurt. I agree muslims should not over-react to cartoons when thousands of them are being killed over sake of west's greed - you've got to get it into perspective.

The west can talk about high moral ideals like freedom of speach (and I agree these are insults based on total lack of knowledge about prophets actual life) but the truth is that the mask of the west has slipped - they are morally corrupt. They will lie to their own people, kill hundreds and thousands of mulsims and their own people also for sake of their greed and power. Mr Blair should be shown with a bomb under his bowler had and Mr Bush under his stetson and Mr Olmert under his skull cap - this will reflect reality a lot more.

So please look at reality!

LK, Dubai, UAE

I would concur and uphold the "freedom of speach" side to this argument.

However it should apply to all cases. Try being a holocaust denier, and see how far your freedom of speach gets you in some Western countries - just ask David Irving.

Still, threatening violence because a cartoon depicts that a religion is violent is so ironic to be almost laughable.

Eric, UK,

If it's so terribly offensive to see a cartoon that depicts the prophet unfavorably, the "victims" can always leave for greener pastures where Islam is respected. I've got frequent flyer miles for anybody who can't afford the airfare.

nimbo, Somerset, NJ

The last sentence says. _One of those arrested, a Danish citizen of Moroccan origin, was understood to have been released pending further investigations. _
That makes me think that the ->plot<- was a ruse to print the cartoons. Why? To take away attention from what has happened in Gaza and what may be in store.
Muhammad
(Third try. I guess I will have to put all these printscreens on my webpage, as a tribute to freedom of speech!)

Muhammad Zafrullah, Pocatello, Idaho, USA

Thomas Jefferson declared "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."

Today three thugs attempted to muzzle an artist. Thankfully in Denmark the people of good conscience spoke up.

Angus Elliott, Cambridge, Canada

I've never been prouder of being Danish.

J. Pedersen, Plantation, Fl,

So many comments refer to phrases such as "drawings that insult Islam are called 'free speech', but: 1. Nobody insults Christianity or Judaism, just Islam (Kim from UK), or 2. If someone were to publish a drawing that insults Christianity or Judaism, all pretense of free speech will disappear (Usman from Canada), or 3. Watch what happens if you publish something that denies the holocaust (Salman from Pakistan)". Wow. All 3 of these happen on a regular basis within the West, yet we must endure arguments that pretend they do not. Look around and you'll see these and similar inaccurate statements everywhere. The repeat publication of the cartoons was excellent. Free speech survived an assault from murderous thugs - good on the Danes!

Mo, New Castle, USA

"If the idea that Muslims have seeped into the Danish community signifies that ' bridges need to be built ' , Would it not be more to the point that they remained within their own country , the one that nature gave them , thereby having no reason for this request . One can only assume that they abhor their own country...Jim London

Jim if you western nations could please stop bombing and invading Iraq,Afghanistan,Somalia,Lebanon and return the 4million illiegaly evicted palestinian refugees to their homelands im sure they'd remain in their own country. Better yet if your goverments would stop supporting and propping up dictators like musharraf and mubarak in the muslim world , muslims would have no reason to leave.

Zak, Durban, South Africa

So how much freedom are we actually talking about freedom of insulting a leader, freedom of rediculing a religion or what !!

This is just aggravating the whole situation and we dont want that. I think people should just relax now.

Vote for peace !

Saad Ali Khan, London, U.K.

In general, the muslim reaction to these cartoons confirms the cartoon's depiction of Islam.

Morgan, Huntsville, AL

Life of Brian anyone? "Every Sperm is Sacred"?

There is nothing amusing about the holocaust. We don't make light heared quips about any other genocide, so why this one?

But cartoons about religious figures has been around for many many years.

Bravo to Denmark for not bieng swayed by a minority who appear to wish to have been born 1,000 years ago

Richard, London, England

To Salman,

I guarantee you that if there were cartoons of the holocaust, while people would protest them (which is also free speech), no one would threaten to commit violence against the creator.

Unreasonable violence seems to be the choice of a small and ignorant group of muslims.

Autumn Banter, London, UK

I'm still quite amazed by the poor level of understanding of the cartoon itself. The cartoon of Mohamed with the "turbomb" is a way of denouncing the terrorists that KILL IN ITS NAME! Not the muslim community!But the extremists, the suicide bombers, etc. A 10 years old kid can understand that at the 1st look at it and if not, I think it's been explained enough since the controversy that not a single soul could not possibly still not get that. Amazing...

Tom, London,

Full marks to the Danish press for intestinal fortitude in the face of the threats of the "Religion of Peace". The craven appeasers of the BBC should take note.

David Russell, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

How can authors of some of these remarks, such as Usman, not see the irony of protesting that the cartoons insult muslims (by mischaracterizing Islam) but go on to say one can expect violence and bloodshed because Islam has been misrepresented? I think most of us in the West are aware that a minority of muslims believe that violence against infidels (that's us) is required of the faithful, but clearly a majority of muslims are unwilling to condemn that violence, and a sizable number openly condone it.
As to the assertions that the West doesn't tolerate criticism of our own religions, that is poppycock. Books could be published on cartoons mocking Christ, the Pope, Luther, et al.

Al Fisher , St. Paul, MN, USA

Perhaps we should commission a comparative guide to religions, perhaps on a SWATs formula. It could cover required daily/weekly/annual observances, clothing and food restrictions, rules, regulations and punishments for males/females, necessary body modifications, accompanying paraphenaia (like incense, candles, beads etc.) and of course a compendium of promised (but necessarily unverifiable) benefits. There could even be a 'most extreme' section for the weirder aspects and a more light-hearted crazy hat competition.

Phil, Hong Kong,

ahaan, freedom of speech, ya right. Fine, if that's what this is, then I dare the Danish freedom dancers to print cartoons mocking or denying the Holocaust. Let's see how quickly this freedom of speech industry would then be wiped out. Hypocrites!

Salman, Karachi, Pakistan

Thank you Denmark. If only we had a Prime Minister like Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who has refused to capitulate to the bullies: He is one of the very few European politicians with guts. If anyone deserves a prize for his valiant defence of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, it is certainly Mr Rasmussen. He did not give in to pressure from Muslim fanatics, nor from the appeasers at the UN, the European Commission and the Council of Europe.

Karen, London, UK

If this was the United States, I would support the freedom of speech argument. However, constitutionally speaking, Europe has clear limits on freedom of speech. This argument belies the racism and clear provocation these cartoons intended from the very beginning. And please, I am not trying to be an apologist for the remarkably horrible reaction from the Muslim world over these cartoons. But lets just call a spade a spade.

Maria, London, UK

To Kim (Walsall/UK) above I can only say: check out the danish artist Jens Jørgen Thorsen and his movie “The love affairs of Jesus Christ” from 2003 - condemned by the Pope before one scene was ever shot...Danes and people of other free, democratic nations reflect upon and challenge the world we from part of BROADLY.

Niels Boehm, Copenhagen, Denmark

I seem to remember that Churchill said that "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last."

Well done, the danish press. I hope the UK press will not sink to the BBC's cringeing appeasement in matters muslim.

Samantha Martin, Brussels, Belgium

As a British Muslim, I have no time for extremists whatever their agenda. I must confess though that I wonder as to the reasoning behind the reprints. Freedom of speech allowed them to print them the first time. Fair enough. But this time? I feel that they are just out to antoginize.

Hamad Lone, London, England

How come it is okie to make cartoons against muslim people and it is called freedom of speech but if talk about jews or christians it is hate crime? It is sad that Denish government is not taking this matter seriously because freedom does not mean you insult other people. Secondly freedom of speech is only good if it is based on true facts, if you have not read about the life of propher Muhammad then one should not go and lie about his life and call it freedom of speech. Lets hope the Danish government understands the fine line between freedom of speech and hate crime. There are already a lot of problems in this world, creating another one would not help any one of us

Usman, Saskatoon, Canada

Well done Denmark!

It needed to be done; now maybe others will follow in their steps to be less worried about exspressing their beleifes on such a sensitive issue just because some clsoe minded people find it offencive .

gratz

Toby Barrett, Reading, Bershire

Freedom of speech is one thing, but where is respect and decency gone. Its just the same as being racist or anti semetic. Muslims value their religion with the utmost compassion, and this so called freedom of speech is disrespectful and damaging to building bridges at a delicate time in the world. Muslims are being aggressed from all angles now, we dont need a Danish newspaper to immorally mock our prophet. If the prophet actually commited these atrocities then fair play, but he didnt! Mindless fantatics do, and you have these Danes on the other end of the scale who are "freedom of speech fanatics". Freedom of speech is constructed so that you can be proud and able to say what you are and what you belive in, this is just disrespect!!!

Yaz, London, UK

Denmark is absolutely right in standing up to the Muslims in their country by all publishing the cartoons and reminding them they are Danish first. I was shocked to arrive at the railway station in Copenhagen recently and while waiting for a local train, an asian man started polite conversation in broken english to which I responded. After a few minutes he asked me where I was from. When I replied "England" he declared himself a Danish muslim and then added quietly but sinisterly ..." English ..You are not welcome in my country" !! I was visiting Danish friends - not muslim. Denmark needs to be aware of whats going on and make efforts to keep their muslim citizens true to the ethos of their wonderful country.

Liz, East Anglia, UK

There is nothing wrong with being rude -that is what freedom of speech is all about.
i would criticize 'Usman, Ottawa, Canada' for writing - "Clearly Insulting Cartoons have nothing to do with freedom"
In fact the reverse is true.Western nation have spent centuries improving their culture to be at the level we are at now.
In this regards they have no reason to accept criticism from cultures that have not learned to question their own belief systems.
Westerners are more advanced.

Daniel K888, Melbourne , Australia

Brilliant. Our government could learn a few lessons from the Danish press, but will they?

Osei K., London,

I still can't get over the reaction the first time around where the shameful slur that Islam was not all fluffiness and puppies caused said peace loving people to burn flags, incite murder, and murder nuns.

Michael, Liverpool,

If the idea that Muslims have seeped into the Danish community signifies that ' bridges need to be built ' , Would it not be more to the point that they remained within their own country , the one that nature gave them , thereby having no reason for this request . One can only assume that they abhor their own country or have ruined it to the degree that even the thought of existing among infidels is better than wallowing in their own ruination and disgrace .

Jim , Liverpool,

i dont see the Danish draw pictures of other religious figures? this is all pre planned to cause yet more problems in the world. The Danish are wrong and they know they are!!! See how far they get if they insult all the other religions?!!!

kim, walsall, uk

Bravo Denmark!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

KC, Hassi, Algeria

We don't care about rape and murder in Darfur. But a drawing really offends us. Says it all doesn't it?

Cass, London, UK

If all countries bowed to the sensitivities of a few there would be no freedom of speech. Pork and Beef would be illegal, women wouldn't be allowed to wear anything other than full body clothing.

Monty Python made a mockery of Jesus. Some Christians found it offensive but are strong enough in their beliefs to ignore it.

Freedom of speech is our right. Shame our country doesn't believe in it any more.

Salty, Reading,

There are two things

1. Drawing Cartoons
2. Drawing Insulting Cartoons.

Clearly Insulting Cartoons have nothing to do with freedom. It might be another case if it were just cartoons.Why put the life of danish peoples at risk,those of live in Muslim countries.I believe the plot to be all fake and preplanned since it happened so fast.Anyone who have studied the religion of Islam knows very well that religion doesn't provides any basis of terrorism nor support it in anyway against civilian of any non Muslim country.

Usman, Ottawa, Canada

Denmark has always been valiant in it's fight against any kind of single minded thinking. How perfect, for beautiful little Denmark, to stand up to people who have no right to tell them what to do. i hope they never back down. 3 cheers for the Danish people!
mm USA

m. m., vancouver, wa

Long live those who try to silence disrespectful individulas who hide behind the idea idea of freedom of speech!

Doug, Melbourne, Australia

Well done Denmark! No one can be allowed to intimidate decent innocent people simply for exercising their right to free speech! Now if only the UK and US had as much guts as the Danes they would follow suit instead of whimping out as they always do! Shame.

Issy, Naperville, Illinois

Danish newspapers continue to defend free speech and has not given in to terrorist threats. The newspapers of the big warrier nations that are fighting terorists with bombs and guns all seem to be running scared.

Lilla , Ottawa, Canada

The cartoons were a statement on the killings by bombs and suicide under the name of Mohammed, and not anti Islamist.
The resultant reaction only enforced the sterotypical negative images of Muslims as closed minded,intolerant and violent. A majority of Muslims are terrified to speak out about the atrocities of the very few lest they and their families become targets.by terrorists.
Silence of atrocities by leaders of the Muslim people and countries only lead to an image by non muslims that violence is acceptable.

morris, vancouver, b.c. canada

Long Live Freedom of Speech !

Azita Ardalan, New York, NY, USA

This is an expression of Freedom of the Press. Why does the Muslim World seem to think they can run around burning our flags and portraying us Westerners as Devils. I don't see them crying foul over that.

Kevin, Richmond, Canada

While freedom of speech is applauded, sensitivity and respects to other human races also must be upheld so that there won't be anymore conflicts among us. Freedom and Money can be poisonous sometimes. It's not about to say no to these but it's how well we recognize the border between good and not.

fread, London, UK

danish newspapers are being bold in reinforcing freedom of speech, which unfortunately had been hostage due to fundamentalist threats worldwide. Unfortunately the media in powerful and democratic countried like US are too nice to question any of these. The same US media that did not question Iraq invasion is pretending magnanimity and siding fundamentalist postion on cartoons. Shame on all those who condome fundamentalism and still pretend to be journalists.

Biju, Manhattan, NY

I applaud their courage. This is an important stand for freedom of speech in a time where fear and intimidation is being used to deny discussion and debate over what is in the end only a view of mythology, which does not have any right, divine or moral, to restrict discussion, debate, scrutiny, ridicule or peaceful protest of any kind.

Erik Jac, London, UK