Al Jazeera writes this in a live blog about the tensions between Europe and the Islamic world. According to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, freedom of expression will cease when more than 1.5 billion people are insulted. “We also have rights. We have the right not to be hurt, ”he said.
Sisi did emphasize that he disapproves of any form of terrorism or violence in the name of faith.
Protests
The revolt against France is raging all over the world. In Bangladesh hundreds of supporters of the Oikya Jote Party took to the streets. “The greatest terrorist in the world is Emmanuel Macron,” the signs read, or “Send the French ambassador out of the country.” Demonstrations against France were also held in Somalia.
Supporters of the Muslim party throw shoes at the image of Emmanuel Macron.
Ⓒ Hollandse Heights / SIPA Press
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In Iran, the country is also getting a wipe out. President Hassan Rouhani calls defending the cartoons ‘unethical’. In a TV speech, Rouhani pointed out that freedom must go hand in hand with respect. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks of a ‘stupid act’.
“Westerners need to understand that the great prophet of Islam is loved by all Muslims and freedom-worshipers around the world,” said Rouhani.
Somalis burn the French flag.
Ⓒ AP
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Erdogan
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who previously launched the attack on Emmanuel Macron and also PVV leader Geert Wilders, also emphasized in a speech in parliament that it is ‘a matter of honor’. According to him, Western countries want to revive ‘the crusades’.
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