Unrest in Denmark
The reproduction of the controversial Prophet Mohamed sketches has caused a fresh outbreak of violence across Denmark. Dozens of cars were torched and waste bins set afire, during the sixth day of unrest. The wave of arson attacks spread across Denmark over night. Police harassment, as perceived by immigrants youths, may have led to the vandalisms but the situation got out of hand after a cartoon of Prophet Mohammed was reproduced by Danish newspapers.
About 50 people have been arrested and were called for preliminary examinations by Danish Authorities while violence continues, mostly in immigrant neighbourhoods in Copenhagen and other cities.
The repeated publication of the caricature was a gesture of solidarity to the cartoonist, after authorities revealed a plot to kill him. His sketches depicting prophet Mohamed had sparked massive protests in Muslim countries two years ago.
So, here you have a very challenging issue, which can be the stimulus for a very interesting dialogue. Freedom of expression and the boundaries, if there are any.
Share on Facebook
Tags: Religion · Society · Youth
2 responses so far ↓
1 LM (Beirut, Lebanon) // Feb 17, 2008 at 4:32 pm
On the 5th of february 2006, the danish embassy in Lebanon was attacked by angry islamists groups. They managed to burn the whole building, but the embassy remained untouched because of the special security measures that were taken. The doors were fire resistant.
2 carolinapop // Feb 18, 2008 at 9:27 am
I am going to Copenhagen next Sunday for a reportage about a syrian/danish politician named Naser Khader that has created a movement named Democretic Muslims (http://www.khader.dk/flx/in_english/) the interview is for a children channel but I have prepared questions about the “Mohammed Cartoons”, I will tell you when I come back
Leave a Comment