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British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) is alarmed and disappointed at reports that three Swedish newspapers have published cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) with the body of a dog.

12/03/2010

British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) is alarmed and disappointed at reports that three Swedish newspapers have published cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) with the body of a dog.  The drawing was originally published in the "Nerikes Allehanda" newspaper in August 2007, but was reproduced on 10th March 2010 in reference to a plot to kill Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks.  Seven individuals in Ireland have been arrested in connection with this plot. 

bmsd acknowledges that while freedom of expression is a cherished right, this comes with concordant responsibilities to refrain from causing gratuitous offence to particular groups and individuals.  This is particularly the case with subjects that are known to be sensitive, such as the Holocaust and the depiction of prophets and deities.  It is important for the mainstream media to recognise the high levels of respect that are accorded to these figures within certain communities, and that it is irresponsible to inflame tensions unnecessarily by reproducing these images. bmsd also strongly condemns the use of violence - or threats of violence - in order to counter the actions of the artist responsible for the drawings.

Dr Shaaz Mahboob of bmsd said: "Just as we respect the sensitivities around Holocaust denial, it is equally important that we challenge sensationalist and gratuitously offensive coverage of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), a figure who the vast majority of Muslims - whether liberal or conservative - hold dear. 

It is unnecessary for newspapers to reproduce these cartoons for the purposes of reporting the current story." 

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Notes to the editors:  

  1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.  
  2. bmsd’s mission statement:   “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”   
  3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.  
  4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk  
  5. For any further queries, please contact:  Dr Shaaz Mahboob on  shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on 0207 631 4175