Here is yet another manifestation of the all-out attempt to deflect the blame for jihad violence over Muhammad cartoons onto those who defend the freedom of expression. The simple reality is that the only people responsible for acts of violence are those who commit them. Muslims who murder over cartoons are not required or forced to react in this way. But hardly anyone can think clearly anymore, and Rouhani is doing his best to make sure that as few people as possible do so.
“Iran says ‘insult to a prophet’ encourages violence after Macron defended Mohammed cartoons,” by Jonathan Edwards, Washington Newsday, November 15, 2020:
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned that French President Emmanuel Macron is encouraging violence by defending cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.
The French president has become entangled in accusations of Islamophobia and racism in the midst of a debate on freedom of expression and blasphemy in France. Macron took a traditionally secularist line by refusing to condemn those accused of blasphemy and promised to defend himself against conservative Islamic feelings.
Iran is among the Muslim nations that criticize Macron. “In today’s world, peace and stability in our society will only be maintained if we respect each other,” Rouhani said in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, according to the state-backed news agency Mehr.
“To insult a prophet is nothing more than an encouragement to violence and an immoral act,” he added. “If the West is sincere in its efforts for peace and security, it should stop interfering in the internal affairs of Muslims.
“It is a surprise that those countries that claim to respect freedom, rights and justice encourage people to insult each other and important personalities. People in the West should understand that the Prophet of Islam is a love for all Muslims and freedom-seekers in the world,” the President said. “To insult the Prophet is to insult all Muslims, all prophets and all human values….