Freedom of opinion and expression are, indeed, cornerstones of human rights and pillars of free and democratic societies. These freedoms support other fundamental rights, such as peaceful assembly, participation in public affairs, and freedom of religion. But, Sweden should note that freedom of speech is not an absolute right. It is a right that is subjected to certain limitations in order to ensure that it is not exercised in a way, which can cause harm to others.
Taking international human rights law as a yardstick, hate speech is a category of expression, which enjoys no protection whatsoever. Under Article 20 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil Political Rights, all states are obliged to prohibit by law “any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence”.
While the right to free speech is enshrined in the constitutional law of many countries, nowhere it is considered to be an unfettered one. There are laws that prohibit, for example, inciting murder, violence, terrorism, racial hatred, or hatred to other groups or any act that causes fear of violence, distress, harassment, or is defamatory or malicious.
In Sweden and most of the European countries it is a crime to deny the Holocaust. Edward Snowden and Julian Assange are good examples that freedom of speech is not absolute even in these countries, which claim to be champions of freedom of speech.
In reality, there is no absolute freedom of speech, but it exists under predefined limits. It is due to such contradictions, on the limits of freedom of speech, that the clash of values between Islam and the West is currently taking place. Racism, national security, Holocaust denial, incitement, glorification of terrorism, racial hatred,and libel, among many others, are all limitations imposed on freedom of speech by Western nations.
Pope Francis condemned and rejected permitting the act as a form of freedom of speech. He said the burning of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, has made him angry and disgusted. "Any book considered holy should be respected to respect those who believe in it," the Pope said. "I feel angry and disgusted at these actions.”
Freedom of expression is not absolute and never has been, although some people try to push the limits as much as possible, not to support freedom but to advance their pre-determined agenda. Freedom of expression is of great value and must be used in a constructive way in line with the idea of bringing peaceful co-existence and understanding among religions.
From July 11 to 12, the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council held an urgent debate on acts of burning the Quran in relevant countries and passed a draft resolution proposed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The resolution was approved by 28 members of the council out of 47, including China, Ukraine, and most African countries, while seven abstained and twelve voted against, including France, Germany, the UK, and the US.
However, a number of Western countries expressed during the debates their opposition to the anti-blasphemy laws and, at the same time, strongly denounced the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden: what a show of hypocrisy.
It is within this context that Muslims unreservedly condemn and denounce the recent burning of the Holy Quran; this time with the blessing of the Swedish government.
This abhorrent action is unacceptable and should be condemned in the strongest terms possible by all those who cherish world justice, harmony,and peace. Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets more than two billion Muslims and insults sacred values, under the guise of ‘freedom of expression’ is completely unacceptable.
The global Muslim community upholds the total dismissal of all forms of hate speech or action based on religion or race. In this context, we call on the UN to bear its responsibility of upholding world peace by rejecting this incitement of violence and injury to the feelings of the global Muslim community with regard to the sacred book of Islam.
For the sake of world peace, the cherished values of dialogue among religions and civilisations, tolerance, inclusiveness and peaceful co-existence should be promoted and all phobias towards religion must be rejected. All religious beliefs and feelings need to be prised.
Abdullah Makwinja
Via email
