French editor sacked after publication
Jacques Lefranc, the editor of France Soir, has been fired by the owner of the paper, a French-Egyptian. The paper has published a cartoon on it’s front page poking fun at Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy figures. It also printed cartoons that were initially published by a Danish paper, which is now involved in a heated row with Muslims. Islam forbids the depiction of Muhammad or Allah.
“Publications in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain also re-ran the Danish cartoons.
However France Soir owner Raymond Lakah, a French Egyptian, said in a statement to AFP he “decided to remove Jacques Lefranc as managing director of the publication as a powerful sign of respect for the intimate beliefs and convictions of every individual”. “We express our regrets to the Muslim community and all people who were shocked by the publication.”
Journalists at the newspaper stood by their editor’s decision on Thursday, printing a front page picture and editorial in which they strongly defended the right to free speech. ”
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Why can we make fun of Christians, Jews and Atheists, but not Muslims?
Administrator @ February 2, 2006