Letter: Freedom of speech is not absolute

Tue, 03/11/2008 1:37 AM  |  Reader's Forum

ADPARA>In his article "Islamophobia and Muslim Growth", published on March 5, 2008, Mohammad Yazid commented about the controversies stirred by the film Fitna, by Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) chairman Geert Wilders. The writer pointed out that in several European countries, freedom of speech is indeed guaranteed by their constitutions.

"This is unlike Muslim-majority countries, where freedom of dissent is much less respected," the writer noted, further arguing that "Muslims need to learn the significance of freedom and truth already practiced in far more advanced countries with non-Muslim majorities".

He also referred to the reaction to this film by some Muslim countries, including my country, Egypt.

The writer implicitly repeated the typical response of Western countries to the reactions or protests by Muslim countries and scholars against attacks on Islam and its symbols.

It should be marked that this argument oversimplifies the issue and ignores the direct connection that exists between the permissibility and criminalization of acts that lead to defamation of religions and between the upsurge in trends of racism, xenophobia and discrimination against members of religions communities.

The respect of right to freedom of speech guaranteed by the constitutions in Western countries should not be used as a pretext or excuse to defame religions or religious symbols. According to the International Human Rights Law, freedom of speech is not absolute right, but should be exercised with responsibility and may be subject to limitations as provided by law.

In short, freedom of opinion remains an absolute freedom upon which no restriction is permissible, as holding an opinion is perceived as a private matter. But the right to express such opinions is not an absolute right, and it is the responsibility of the states to ensure that the exercise of this right occurs within the limits and boundaries enunciated by law.

Those who try to defame Islam and Islamic symbols by printing cartoons lampooning the Prophet Muhammad, etc. are invited to conduct a quiet dialogue, with Muslim scholars, officials and politicians to reach a common ground.

Egypt and all Muslim countries are keen to put the issue of defamation of religion as a high priority on the international human rights agenda to contain the campaigns of defamation of religion, intensified in recent years.

MOHAMED TAHA
Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia
Jakarta

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