THE MUSLIM FORUM OF ALBANIA
Press Release
03.02.2006
The Danish Cartoons Insult the Feelings of Muslims and Incite Islamophobiahttp://www.forumimusliman.org/english/danish.htmlThe Muslim Forum of Albania has learned through a number of sources that on
September 30, 2005 the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten has published 12
caricatures, where the prophet of Islam, Muhamed s.a.s. has been depicted as
terrorist and in other insulting forms.
The Forum deplores in the strongest way possible such an act of insult against
Islam and Muslim?s feelings, and is concerned about the spread of
islamophobia and attacks against Islam?s image even in other parts of Europe.
By looking at the nature of caricatures the Forum believes that they
demonstrate a xenophobic and islamophobic approach that some parts of the
Western media often show towards Islam.
What is very concerning for the Forum, is that the anti-Islamic cartoons have
been printed even in our neighboring state of Macedonia, in newspapers such as
?Vest? and ?Vreme.? By being aware of the long history of conflicts and
religious hatred that Balkans have witnessed times and again, the Muslim Forum
of Albania appeals to the Danish and other EU governments to enhance their
anti-hate laws and make sure that the freedom of speech is not abused by
insulting other people? feelings and beliefs.
At the same time, the Muslim Forum of Albania, deplores the violent acts that
some people are making against Denmark and appeals to all Muslims worldwide,
and Albanians in particular, to show restrain and understanding for the
differences that exist between our cultures.
The Muslim Forum of Albania plans to explain the above feelings and concerns to
the Danish Ambassador in Albania, during this coming week.
The Muslim Forum of Albania
Tirana
