TEHRAN, YLC. -- Over 150 Iranian publishers have strongly censured the French satirical weekly, Charlie Hebdo, for publishing an insulting cartoon of Prophet Muhammad (S) on the cover of its latest edition last week.
In a statement issued on Friday by the publishers, all of which are members of the Union of Islamic Revolution Publishers, they asked Muslims to unify against actions insulting to Islam.
In addition, a group of art and cultural figures condemned the French magazine in their recent talks with different Persian media.
TV host Nima Karami said that he condemns any actions of extremism and Islamophobia under the name of religion, adding, "Here, Daesh [Arabic acronym for ISIL] terrorists and all those who write articles against Islam and the Prophet of Islam (S) are condemned”.
Satirist Reza Rafi said that any action performed out of absolute violence is condemned by Islam, and this is against the approach of the Prophet (S) who has came for dialogue and has brought the message of kindness.
Actor Majid Mozaffari also stated his condemnation and said, "They (the French magazine) have no knowledge of our beliefs and religious issues. We have never insulted their beliefs in our magazines, since it is unbecoming for us to insult. They will sure see the aftermath of their obnoxious actions.”
The first edition of Charlie Hebdo published on Tuesday since nine of its contributors were murdered has a cover showing the Prophet Mohammad and the slogan, "Tout est pardonné,” French for "All is forgiven”.
Tehran Times