Religion vs. free speech – Algeria asks UN to limit freedom of expression

Algeria demanded new efforts to limit freedom of expression to prevent denigrating attacks on Islam, appealing to the United Nations to take a lead.  The demand was made in the wake of global protests in Muslim countries over Innocence of Muslims.

In an address to the General Assembly, Algeria's foreign minister Mourad Medelci, said:

We should all fight against the phenomenon of Islamophobia which is based on xenophobic ideologies which erroneously assimilates Islam to terrorism. This phenomenon must be fought. The tragic events brought about by the infamous video concerning Islam and its Prophet, this film, this video, is weak, condemnable, and Algeria also condemns the acts of violence conducted against the personnel and the diplomatic installations which are places which promote relationships of friendship and cooperation among peoples.

Algeria proposes an initiative under the auspices of the United Nations to identify ways and means to prevent and to organize a response and we cannot forget that the adequate and responsible use of the freedom of expression should also give our world a more human and brotherly face.

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D. Beeksma

One of the growing crowd of American "nones" herself, Deborah is a prolific writer who finds religion, spirituality and the impact of belief (and non-belief) on culture inspiring, fascinating and at times, disturbing. She hosts the God Discussion show and handles the site's technical work. Her education and background is in business, ecommerce and law.

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