Under the pretext of the so-called “freedom of expression” a French magazine published on Wednesday offensive cartoons of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Under the pretext of the so-called “freedom of expression” a French magazine published on Wednesday offensive cartoons of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Charlie Hebdo, the satirical weekly magazine which published offensive caricature to Islam and Prophet Mohammad last year, repeated the provocative move on Wednesday.
The magazine's editor, Stephane Charbonnier, originally a cartoonist who uses the name Charb, said the images would "shock those who will want to be shocked".
"The freedom of the press, is that a provocation?" he said.
"I'm not asking strict Muslims to read Charlie Hebdo, just like I wouldn't go to a mosque to listen to speeches that go against everything I believe."
The magazine is no stranger to controversy. Last year it published an edition "guest-edited" by the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) that it called “Sharia Hebdo” and its offices in Paris were subsequently firebombed.
Earlier on Tuesday, Charb told the news channel i>TELE: "We do caricatures of everyone, and above all every week, and when we do it with the Prophet, it's called provocation.”
He said that if Charlie Hebdo “stopped printing satirical work because of pressure or fear of offence, it would be reduced to selling 16 blank pages every week.”
French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said anyone offended by the cartoons could take the matter to the courts after expressing his "disapproval of all excesses", but he emphasised France's tradition of free speech.
He issued a statement saying: "In the current climate, the prime minister wishes to stress his disapproval of all excess and calls on everyone to behave responsibly."
The French government has called for restraint following the announcement of the magazine.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, asked about the publication, said any provocation now could only be condemned.
For its part, the main body representing Muslims in France, the French Muslim Council (CFCM), accused Charlie Hebdo of firing up anti-Muslim sentiment at a sensitive time.
"The CFCM is deeply attached to freedom of speech but considers that nothing can justify insult and inciting hatred," it said in a statement.
"The CFCM calls on the Muslims of France not to give in to such provocation and urges them to express their indignation calmly and in lawful manner."
