Posted 04 February 2006 @ 10:42
Updated 04 February 2006 @ 10:46
JAKARTA, 04 February 2006 - Indonesia, which has the biggest Muslim population in the world, Saturday condemned the publication of caricatures of Prophet Muhammad by a Danish newspaper late last year and their reprint in several Western European countries recently. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, leader of 212 million people, said the publication of the caricatures clearly showed insensitivity towards the views and faiths of other religions.
"The abuse of the symbols of religion has hurt the feelings of Muslims. Allowing their publication on the basis of freedom of expression is something difficult to accept," he said. He said that in accordance with Clause 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, fundamental rights were not absolute and that in their implementation there should not be abuse of faiths. He said the Indonesian administration could understand the reaction and protests from the people towards the publication of the caricatures.
Twelve caricatures depicting the prophet, first published by the Jyllands-Posten daily in Denmark in September last year and then reprinted in newspapers in several other European countries, have sparked anger and sadness among millions of Muslims throughout the world. "Nevertheless, as a civilised people, we have to accept the apology tended by Denmark through its envoy in Jakarta and by the newspaper organisation," he said, adding that such an incident should not be allowed to recur.
Susilo said the Indonesian administration had taken diplomatic measures, both bilateral and multilateral, in handling the issue. The Indonesian president said the publication of the caricatures strengthened Indonesia's view for the need to have inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, not only among countries but also regions.
The images where it's all about
The 12 images where these protests are all about, can be found on the forum:
Asian muslims vow new cartoon protests as anger spreads
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