President Yameen condemns Charlie Hebdo for insulting Islam

The President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has condemned French magazine, Charlie Hebdo for insulting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In a statement released by the President’s Office, it was stated that the publication of caricatures, insulting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is an attempt to incite religious hatred by offending the many millions of Muslims worldwide, and that it will only advance the message of radicals and terrorists.

“Freedom of expression is not a license to creating hatred, and promoting anti-Islamic sentiments and Islamophobia. Insulting the religious beliefs of one-third of humanity should not be tolerated in any society or by any Government. Instead such criminal activities should be stopped and actions should be taken in a speedy manner to prevent such activities”, said the president.

President Yameen has stressed on the importance of promoting a culture of respect and tolerance as a means of countering Islamophobia and radicalism.

President has called upon Muslim leaders around the world to unite in protecting Islam and promoting its true values of peace and tolerance in the statement issued by the President’s Office on Thursday morning.