The Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia expressed Kingdom’s condemnation of the desecration of the image of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) by some European newspapers, which is contrary to the respect and sanctity of religions and prophets.
We understand the standing and independence enjoyed by Western media and while we support the principle of freedom of expression, we believe that dealing with this issue does not in anyway mean restricting that freedom but to increase awareness and sense of responsibility among media to avoid meddling in people’s beliefs and stop disparaging them. This becomes more vital in view of the continuing spread of the culture of hatred against Muslims in the western press and until a solution to this issue is found, the problem will remain and will continue to create misconception and misunderstanding.
The Kingdom believes that this problem which offended Islam and Muslims could have been buried in time as the Kingdom has then pointed out that such outrageous and unacceptable acts are among the most serious acts that could spread hatred and increase human disunity and animosity at a time when the world is in the greatest need of measures that can strengthen the bonds of cooperation between various communities and groups and achieve justice and respect to all.
The Kingdom, therefore, calls for an international resolution to be passed and abided by internationally enjoining respect to the divine religions and non-infringement upon sacred things of others.
As far as the boycott of some European products is concerned, it is a decision by the people and not by the government.
The Kingdom stressed that believing in all prophets and messengers of Allah and showing respect and reverence to them has been stipulated in the Holy Quran and it forms a basic part of the faith of every Muslim. The Kingdom expects that all countries, governments and non-governmental institutions will clearly stand in support of respecting the sacred beliefs of various communities, co-existence of civilizations and understanding the special characteristics of various cultures and it values all governments and non-government entities which declared such a position.
