Threats of violence against journalists in Denmark and other parts of Europe have increased in the past few days, in reaction to the publication and broadcast of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.
It is the opinion of the Association of European Journalists that matters are getting dangerously out of hand. Of course, it is the right of Muslims to feel insult as a result of the publication of the cartoons, but it is also essential that the right to free speech should not be subject to intimidation. Mutual respect must be upheld.
The AEJ is shocked and alarmed, that there have been public demonstrations in London and elsewhere during which threats have been issued against the lives of journalists and others without prompt action by law enforcement agencies to intervene and to deter those responsible. The AEJ calls on all governments in Europe urgently to apply and uphold the rule of law.