Sweden: cartoon row quells

Posted by Jean Yves Chainon on September 6, 2007 at 1:10 PM

Following what seemed to shape like a new Mohammed cartoon controversy, the Swedish Muslims called off a demonstration yesterday, after convincing talks with the Swedish prime minister.

"I personally would never intentionally act in a way that could be perceived by other religions as provocative or offensive," said prime minister Fredirk Reinfeldt.

He also insisted on the fact the press freedom and freedom of expression were "an inalienable part of our country and our democracy."

Nerikes Allehanda, the local newspaper that published the controversial cartoon, commented in a more provocative manner.

"It's only natural to feel offended. But that doesn't give one the right to curtail or annul others' freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is the lifeblood of democracy.”

Source: Courrier International - AFP