HAMAS DENOUNCES CHARLIE HEBDO FOR REPUBLISHING CARTOONS

Gaza, 24 Rabi’ul Awwal 1436/14 January 2015 (MINA) – The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, strongly denounced the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo for republishing cartoons offensive to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

Member of Hamas Political Bureau Izzat Al-Resheq described the act as shameful and provocative to the feelings of millions of Muslims all over the world, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting on Thursday.

Resheq told Quds Press on Wednesday that raising cartoons depicting and mocking the Prophet Mohammad PBUH along with republishing of other offensive cartoons slams Arab and Muslim leaders who took part in the massive rally against terrorism in Paris.

He also condemned the magazine, Charlie Hebdo, for insisting on mocking the Islamic sacred figures, saying it is offending to all heavenly legislations. He opined that such an act is racist and incites religious hatred, adding that it has nothing to do with freedom of speech.

For his part, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum demanded halting all the distorting campaigns against Islam in the West, accusing the Zionist lobby of being responsible for such campaigns.

Barhoum opined that offending and mocking Prophet Mohammad is rejected by all Muslims around the world. Furthermore, he said, the act deliberately incites hatred and violence against Muslims.

The French magazine published on Wednesday three million copies, to be distributed in 20 countries, containing cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad. (T/P011/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)