[symple_box]
International columnist, political analyst and senior journalist Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui’s articles are published across Asia, Africa and Europe. He writes for The Moroccan Times, The Tunis Times, India Tomorrow, Kohram News, The Etemaad Urdu Daily and for news papers published from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. You can follow him on Twitter at: @journopolana[/symple_box]
The controversial weekly Charlie Hebdo published from France came out with its latest issue after the attack on its office last week. Charlie has carried an offensive cartoon of the Holy Prophet of Islam on the cover page. The intentions are clear. It continues to provoke and hurt the feelings of 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. In the process, it is opening new flood gates of hate and giving a handle to the extremist and fringe elements with this latest provocation.
The heavily guarded Charlie’s uncalled for bravado is misguided. Lampooning of religious figures and the cycle of violence will not be in the interests of peace in France. This issue can snowball into another major confrontation of religions and civilizations. The purpose of journalism should be to unite and not pit one civilization against the other. Whatever be the affiliations of the Charlie Hebdo –Leftists, Atheists or Catholics, the latest grave act of provocation by publishing another cartoon of the Holy Prophet will do no good to the so-called freedom of expression. Freedom of expression should not be a denigration of religions and Prophets. Journalists and cartoonists have many better things to do.
Islamophobia should not be the aim of journalism. France is worried by the dwindling numbers practicing the majority faith. The cherished European values of tolerance and inclusiveness are at stake. The commercial value of the controversy is fully exploited by Charlie Hebdo by publishing three million copies of the latest issue. The much despised Weekly is being translated into different languages in the world. Donations are pouring in for Charlie from different quarters, which have a history of hate campaign against Islam.
The hypocrisy of the world leaders was evident when they all participated in the Unity March in Paris to express support for the 12 people killed at Charlie. But the same leaders have shown a stone dumb silence even though innocent children, women and the elderly were killed with barrel bombs and drones by the western powers in Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan in the name of fighting terrorism. The 12 who lost their lives are more precious to the world than the millions who were murdered by the western powers.
The Prophets Muhammed, Jesus, Moses and others are common legacy and heritage of the mankind. After all, we are all children of Adam and Eve. The hate campaign against Muslims and Islam will provide more fodder to terrorists from ISIS and Al Qaeda to repeat their lunatic acts. When we cannot create, we should not snuff out human lives. When we cannot put a morsel of food into hungry mouths, we should not destroy livelihoods. Media should play a constructive role and not a divisive one.
A section of the media, particularly the Indian media led by journalist Vir Sanghvi, instigated with a tweet to ‘’send a message to the fanatics’’ by retweeting the offensive cartoon of the Holy Prophet on Charlie’s cover page today. Rajdeep Sardesai, though not exactly communal or an Islamophobe like Vir, followed suit immediately without bothering about the ramifications of stoking communal passions in India and hurting the religious sentiments of more than 200 million Muslims in the said country, and addition to the 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. It remains to be seen if the courts take suo moto notice of hurting religious sentiments and order action against Vir Singhvi and Rajdeep Sardesai. In a tweet, Vir Sanghvi has refused to apologise for his hate campaign. Rajdeep had no courtesy to reply, leave alone apologise.
Survival of humankind is in peace and not in confrontation. If the world understands this sooner, the better.
[symple_box]
International columnist, political analyst and senior journalist Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui’s articles are published across Asia, Africa and Europe. He writes for The Moroccan Times, The Tunis Times, India Tomorrow, Kohram News, The Etemaad Urdu Daily and for news papers published from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. You can follow him on Twitter at: @journopolana[/symple_box]
