Press release –
-For immediate release-
AEGEE answers the Cartoon Crisis
AEGEE Europe is deeply concerned about the
recent developments, beginning with the cartoon drawings that were published in
In Islam it is forbidden to depict the
Prophet Mohammed in any way. Furthermore, the depiction of Mohammed in
suggestive cartoons was a serious infringement on the beliefs of many Muslims,
and thus, highly offensive.
In many western cultures, cartoons are meant
to be ironic, satiric, sarcastic, and exaggerated. They are neither
fundamentalist nor politically correct. They are a tradition in many European
countries and many people, therefore, defend this as a freedom of
speech.
AEGEE Europe is not linked to any political
or religious program, thus making us independent. We aim toward an open and
integrated
It is indeed a sad time, when endeavors are
being made to bring civilizations closer together and to increase dialogue
between the religions, that we suffer such a setback. The publication of these
cartoons has been regarded by many as a violation of their religious beliefs. In
addition, the increasing reprint of these cartoons in other European newspapers
has resulted in causing harm to the inter-religious
dialogue.
Muslim protest to the cartoons continues to
spread further. The response of some Muslims has included the burning of Danish
flags, ambassadors having to be recalled, European products being boycotted, and
Scandinavians being threatened. Violence is neither a form of freedom of speech,
nor the solution to the problem. AEGEE Europe is a living example of how
different cultures can collaborate and coexist for the common good. We do not
condone and cannot justify, by any means, the burning down of embassies or the
act of causing physical suffering. Violence and tension can only increase the
separation of cultures and civilizations. AEGEE
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Bernd Knüfer
Director for Public Relations
European Students' Forum –
AEGEE
Rue Nestor de Tičre
15
B-1030 Bruxelles
Phone: +32 2 245 23
00
Fax: +32 2 245 62
60
Web: www.aegee.org
Email:
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