OIC flays French politicians for encouraging publication of blasphemous caricatures

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), one of the principal organs of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Wednesday condemned the remarks of French politicians encouraging the publication of blasphemous caricatures under the guise of a distorted version of the right to freedom of expression.

Anger has grown in the Muslim world over remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron in a row over blasphemous cartoons.

The dispute has its roots in a knife attack outside a French school on October 16 in which a man of Chechen origin beheaded Samuel Paty, a teacher who had shown pupils the cartoons in a civics lesson on freedom of speech.

France has allowed displays of cartoons. Macron paid tribute to Paty, describing him as a “quiet hero” dedicated to instilling the democratic values of the French Republic in his pupils.

"OIC-IPHRC condemns remarks of French politicians encouraging publishing the blasphemous caricatures under guise of distorted version of right to freedom of expression which manifestly prohibits incitement to hatred, discrimination n respect rights of others protected under IHRL," OIC-IPHRC wrote on its official Twitter handle.

The forum also urged the moderation and restrain at all levels and recommended initiation a comprehensive inter-civilisational dialogue to eliminate the "double standards", bridge social-cultural misperception and enhance mutual respect.

"OIC-IPHRC also support reinvigorating the Istanbul Process for full and effective realisation of UNHRC Res 16/18 to counter perils of incitement to hatred and discrimination based on one’s religion or belief," it said in another tweet.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote letters to heads Muslim states urging them to "act collectively" and counter the growth of Islamophobia in non-Muslim countries, especially in European nations.

"Today, we are confronting a growing concern and restlessness amongst our Ummah as they see the rising tide of Islamophobia and attacks, through ridicule and mockery on our beloved Prophet (PBUH) in the Western world, especially Europe. The recent statements at the leadership level and incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran are a reflection of this increasing Islamophobia that is spreading in European countries where sizeable Muslim populations reside," said the premier in his letter.

He further said that in Europe, mosques are being closed, Muslim women are being denied their right to wear clothing of their choice and covert and overt discrimination against Muslim populations is widespread.

"I believe the leadership in these countries, often acts out of lack of understanding of the intrinsic deep passion, love and devotion Muslims all over the world have for their Prophet (PBUH) and their divine book the Holy Quran."

The prime minister said a dangerous cycle of "actions and reactions" has been set in motion, with Muslims reacting to "hurtful actions" against their faith, resulting in further "discriminatory actions by governments against Muslim populations in their states, resulting in the marginalisation of Muslims and the creating of space for radical, far-right groups to exploit the situation".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also sharply criticised Macron at the weekend, saying the French leader needed a mental health check, prompting France to recall its ambassador from Ankara. On Monday, Erdogan had urged a boycott of French products.