Abusing freedom of expression

In January 2002 the New Statesman published a front page displaying a shimmering golden Star of David impaling a union flag, with the words "A kosher conspiracy?" The publication was widely condemned as anti-Semitic.

Attacks on religion, prophets and spiritual leaders are not new. People of one faith are directly humiliated by other sections of a community, yet these elements instead of getting any punishment often get protection and in some cases more popularity.

In today’s environment, where the world is already experiencing the terrifying reaction of Islamic extremists, these blasphemous publications will promote even more hatred. While the world is fighting against religious extremism and terrorism serious action is needed by professionals against these negative activities. As the new anti-terror laws are being established in the United Kingdom, Australia and other countries, against those who are involved in acts of violence or are promoting terror, the laws are also being made against those in the media who create blasphemous works that causing disharmony and divisions among people of different faiths.

It is good to see that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the international community to combat defamation against all religions and to curb the tendency against Islam. However, the international community should also establish new laws where insulting of any prophet - it doesn’t matter which one: Mohammed, Jesus, Moses, Buddha, or any other god or spiritual leader of any faith - must be criminalised.

The creators, promoters and publishers of insulting material which directly hurt and harm society must be accountable and taken to the international court of justice.