STOCKHOLM: The Swedish artist who created a blasphemous sketch of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has been pelted with eggs by a group of people during a university lecture on the limits of the freedom of expression.
According to a police statement, Lars Vilks was unharmed in the attack that occurred at Karlstad University in southwestern Sweden late Tuesday evening.
No one has yet been arrested for the assault, but police say they are investigating the incident.
The 65-year old artist has faced a string of threats over his 2007 sketch, which rekindled a debate over free speech and Islam that had raged a year earlier after a Danish newspaper printed 12 cartoons of Mohammad (PBUH).
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Comments (32) Closed
ARJ
Feb 22, 2012 02:33pm
The Prophet, PBUH, never asked for hands to be raised against those who insulted him during his lifetime. These followers doing this are only insulting the great teachings he left behind.
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Aila Khan
Feb 22, 2012 04:25pm
Totally agree with you, ARJ.
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MM
Feb 22, 2012 11:11am
The Prophet (pbuh) is known for his kindness, justice and fairness apart from other virtues he has.
However, every sort of freedom has some boundaries which are not to be crossed. The same rule applies to freedom of speech.
Those who are portraying Prophet (pbuh) in bad ways are doing this intentionally. Otherwise it is established fact among all reliable historians and peoples and public that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is an example for all humans, he is great leader, great commander and great advocate of humanity. His teachings talk about his love for humanity.
The people who do not respect for others' religious figures show their own religious-less attitude.
The governments and people should abide by the rules of speech. If everyone and everything is let to be free without limits then there would be no-one and nothing to be seen in this world.
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ali chandio
Feb 22, 2012 11:51am
They are those drifted away from the path of reality; lured by freedom of expression in its most detestable form.
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Naveed
Feb 22, 2012 05:27pm
Arj... Before making comments on what the Prophet (PBUH) did or did not, it will be advisable to read history first...
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A Rahman Khan
Feb 22, 2012 06:00pm
It should be a lesson for those trying to become famous by making blasphemous remakrs or creating controversy on religious matters.
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slimshady
Feb 22, 2012 02:06pm
All,
what is wrong if someone wants to draw picture of prophet (again not to insult him but just as his own expression of love towards him)... why can't we accept things change with time ? there is nothing wrong in drawing cartoons as long as they are not in bad taste.
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Capricorn
Feb 22, 2012 07:38pm
I am not a Muslim but I read somewhere that there was a woman who threw her garbage on your Prophet when he passed under her house. The day she did not show up to throw garbage he went to ask her why she was not there. He found her sick and then looked after her for days until she got better. Why then do you people take it upon yourself to seek revenge? Is it not better to just ignore such stuff rather than make a media mockery by protesting all the time?
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Tariq
Feb 22, 2012 02:15pm
Which version of the history? Can you please enlightned us with the history you have read.
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Hash
Feb 22, 2012 02:33pm
So what do you make of prophets compassion towards those who killed his dear and beloved family. He forgave them after winning over Mecca. Also, what about his kindness towards those who poured litter over him when he walked the streets of Mecca in the early days of him spreading his message. I dont remember him beating down the old lady who threw litter on him every day or him taking revenge from those who killed his loved ones when he returned to Mecca as a leader. Thats history and there lots more of it for those who want to take a lesson. If you're determined to portray the religion as a 21st century butchers market than nothing written in history or outside of it will convince you otherwise.
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Shahid
Feb 22, 2012 08:18pm
Yes Naveed, that would be a very good idea. Please follow your own advice.
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Shahid
Feb 22, 2012 02:50pm
Ditto that 100%.
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Rashid M
Feb 22, 2012 08:26pm
Naveed, tell one incidence from history when the Great Prophet or his wise companions pelted opponents with eggs. You guys are making a mockery of Islam.
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Rahid
Feb 22, 2012 08:29pm
We as a Muslims need to make an argument about "Difference between FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION versus FREEDOM TO INSULT". In this particular case, we should argue for the cartoonist’s malintent for deliberate Insulate for which he should render an apology. Call for his death and restraining him from making rational argument even about his malintent actions restricts his freedom of expression. It is a fine difference but it is all the difference in life that matters.
Declaring anything sacrilege that it can’t be rationally argued about (not insults) infers that the religion has no room for rational discussion, disagreement and that it is nothing more than BLIND FAITH. I will never accept the notion that ISLAM is blind faith and I will stand up to any Muslim who would like to present Islam as such.
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allaisa
Feb 22, 2012 08:31pm
And the history says....??????
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Darwaysh
Feb 22, 2012 08:45pm
Naveed... and what history of our beloved prophet (PBUH) have you been reading?
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Sajid
Feb 22, 2012 03:17pm
Naveed- So, did prophet ever ask for hands to be raised against those who insulted him during his lifetime ? Please enlighten all of us with your history research. Please provide name of books etc. so that we can all learn. Thanks.
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Gilzai
Feb 22, 2012 03:22pm
ARJ, very well said.
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Gul
Feb 22, 2012 09:33pm
@ Naveed,The saying of ARJ" in itself, is a significant hint at Islamic History and Prohpeht's (PBUH)life.
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Arslan
Feb 22, 2012 09:56pm
Religion is the worst enemy of mankind.
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Wazir Khan
Feb 22, 2012 10:07pm
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most kind and caring person this world has ever seen and it will remain so for times to come. This does not mean that people like Lars Vilks continue to make fun of him and we all sit back and enjoy our daily lives. Today Lars is pelted with eggs tomorrow he may face stronger music. It must be an eye opener for those who may try to repeat such a heinous act.
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Suleiman
Feb 22, 2012 10:14pm
Attacking a cartooinst and threatening him with death only continues to portray Islam as violent. intolerant and murderous to the rest of the world. Enough people have died over a cartoon. When are people going to grow up and realize the Prophet and Islam are not so weak as to be harmed or insulted by a cartoon. The reactions to the cartoon do more to harm Islam than the cartoon itself.
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M A Khan
Feb 22, 2012 10:21pm
It is sad that when it comes to insulting Islam it is hidden behind freedom of speech and when anyone else is insulted it is immoral and all the press will react like frenzied elephant.
There should be one rule for everyone. What does Islam says about others?
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SAM
Feb 22, 2012 10:57pm
In our belief one can not diminish the glory of the Sun by slinging mud at it and their simply no need to defend the Sun.
Another saying is " you can not put a lock on the mouth of the village.
Muslims tendancy is to respond by "How high" when asked to jump instead of just ignoring and in the process look quite ridiculous.
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arif
Feb 22, 2012 11:28pm
If there is freedom of speech why it is not allowed against jews, it should be disallwed against any religion, just do'nt follow if you do not like it.
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jasmine
Feb 22, 2012 11:39pm
ARJ you are totally wrong.The Prophet, PBUH, never asked for hands to be raised against those who insulted him during his lifetime because alone he suffered the evil acts of his enemies that's why only The Prophet PBUH had the right to either forgive them or punish them. And know if someone does something against our BELOVED PROPHET PBUH then we being his followers should stand and raise our voice against his enemies. Because the enemies of our Beloved Prophet and ISLAM are Our enemies. I hope you understand what i want to explain.
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Syed
Feb 23, 2012 12:53am
Yes, thats true, Prophet (PBUH)never raised hands against those who insulted him but at the same time his (PBUH) followers (from his (PBUH) days) always responded hardly to those who indulged in blasphemous acts because it is the matter of faith (Iman) that would be in danger to have lost if muslims remain as silent spectators and infront of them such blasphemous acts are repeated again and again. This is not freedom or liberty whereby you do not care the feelings of others. Such persons and acts are reprehensible and condemnable in strongest terms because by taking the support of so called freedom they actually provoke the sentiments of tens and thousands of people and their acts can give rise to some unfortunate event. Do not preach muslims that they should tolerate the blasphemous acts as if they start doing so they would not be called muslims. Do not play with the feelings and emotions of others - this is freedom and humanity.
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nz
Feb 23, 2012 03:59am
poor guy!
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DK
Feb 23, 2012 05:58am
I dont understand why Pakistanis die in protest everytime there is a blasphemous episode aywhere in the world. Are we the only protectors of Islam?
Why not the Saudis that make billions in religous tourism from poor countries like Pakistan?
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Sarah
Feb 23, 2012 08:21am
M.M. You have figured it out all very wisely and I totally agree with you.
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Filip Panovski
Feb 24, 2012 12:19am
You cannot possibly be serious. You're saying it is OK to physically assault someone because he hurt your feelings about something that is not even tangible.
It's not even like saying "Football sucks!" At least that, I can see exists and no amount of self-denial will revoke that reality.
You're ridiculous.
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AHM
Feb 24, 2012 01:53pm
@ MM, i strongly agree with you!
what theyr doing is incorrect! the world is really coming to an end, all the signs are gradually now showing! Its better not to abuse the religion of others! everyone has a right to live, and thus respect each others religions! if youre not a muslim, then dont abuse other religions, and vice versa!
respect is a strong word, wish people would abide to it!
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