French Magazine Publishes New Muhammad Cartoons; France Reacts, White House Comments

In the wake of widespread Muslim protests over an insulting YouTube video, yesterday,the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo invited new protests by publishing a series of cartoons insulting the Prophet Muhammad.  Some of the cartoons depict Muhammad naked and in pornographic poses. AP and the New York Times report on developments. A lawsuit was filed in France against the magazine hours after the issue appeared.  France plans to close its embassies and French schools in 20 countries this Friday as a precaution against demonstrations that could occur after services in mosques.  In Egypt, Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Mahmoud Ghozlan urged authorities to outlaw comments deemed blasphemous by Muslims in the same way that French law outlaws Holocaust denial. Meanwhile, hackers have blocked access to Charlie Hebdo's website because of the depictions on it.  French police are guarding Charlie Hebdo's offices. Last November, its offices nearby were firebombed after it published as a spoof an issue “guest edited” by Muhammad to celebrate the victory of an Islamist party in Tunisian elections.  Charlie Hebdo's defiant editorial director Stéphane Charbonnier said: "I’m sorry for the people who are shocked when they read Charlie Hedbo. But let them save 2.50 euros and not read it. That’s the only thing I have to say."

In Washington, at the White House Press Briefing (full text) yesterday afternoon, press secretary Jay Carney had this exchange with reporters over the Charlie Hebdo cartoons:

Q    The French government has decided to temporarily close their embassies and schools in several Muslim countries after a satirical weekly, Charlie Hebdo, that published cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad.  Is the White House concerned that those cartoons might further fan the flames in the region?

MR. CARNEY:  Well, we are aware that a French magazine published cartoons featuring a figure resembling the Prophet Muhammad, and obviously, we have questions about the judgment of publishing something like this.  We know that these images will be deeply offensive to many and have the potential to be inflammatory.  But we’ve spoken repeatedly about the importance of upholding the freedom of expression that is enshrined in our Constitution.

In other words, we don’t question the right of something like this to be published; we just question the judgment behind the decision to publish it.  And I think that that’s our view about the video that was produced in this country and has caused so much offense in the Muslim world.

 Now, it has to be said, and I’ll say it again, that no matter how offensive something like this is, it is not in any way justification for violence -- not in any way justification for violence.  Now, we have been staying in close touch with the French government as well as other governments around the world, and we appreciate the statements of support by French government officials over the past week, denouncing the violence against Americans and our diplomatic missions overseas.