A provocative act by media

re. Danish papers reprint Muhammad cartoon

Any plot to murder the cartoonist should be dealt with by the full weight of the law. Still, I have to question the quality of the evidence against the three alleged conspirators. One of them has already been released while the two others apparently aren't being charged with anything but will be expelled from Denmark. Their guilt or innocence will never be tested in the courts.

I am therefore disgusted that a number of European newspapers have chosen to reprint some or all of the cartoons that provoked worldwide protests two years ago. While they claim they are showing support for freedom of speech, it seems to me that they are actually being deliberately provocative. Whatever points about freedom of speech that could be made, were made two years ago in the immediate aftermath of the protests.

This time the newspapers have definitely crossed the line between legitimate commentary and promoting hatred. They are not reporting news but attempting to make it. We can only hope they don't get their wish.

Gary Dale