Unconscionable deeds

The attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which left 12 people dead, deserves to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

The attack did not intend to only intimidate journalists, to stop them from expressing their feelings freely, but also to assault the culture and way of life of a country that cherishes and promotes freedom of thought and expression.

Crime is never justified. Rational human beings cannot resort to it to “settle scores”.

That said, it must also be pointed out that there are issues so sensitive and sacred that, freedom of expression or not, one must tread with extreme care.

One such matter is religion. Being secular is one thing, being irreverent, provocative and irresponsible is another.

Especially in this day and age, when religion plays an important role in most nations’ lives, mocking religious symbols and principles, even with the best intention, must be avoided.

Where to draw the line between legitimate and reasonable freedom of expression and irrational provocation is still a controversial issue, one on which the world remains divided.

Perhaps Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights could shed some light on the issue.

It states that “everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion”.

Paragraph 1 of Article 19 also stipulates that “everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference”, Paragraph 2 of the same provision states that “everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression”, while Paragraph 3, cautions that “the exercise of the right provided for in Paragraph 2 carries with it special duties and responsibilities”.

This Paragraph also says: “It (the right) may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by Law and are necessary: (a) For the respect of the rights or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or public health or morals.”

In the case of France, the European country with the largest Muslim minority, it is up to its laws and culture to determine the type of restrictions that could be placed on freedom of expression.

Once the law is clear, people who feel wronged can resort to it to set things right.

But at no time should one feel free to kill at will, and do it in the name of a religion.

The murders at Charlie Hebdo wrong Islam more than anything else.

They are unconscionable, and as journalists, we feel it more acutely, perhaps, but they should not be a reason to start a backlash against Muslims.

A few misguided individuals — as indeed we find in all societies — do not epitomise entire nations.

The murders are condemnable, but we have no doubt that France will act reasonably in its own war on terrorism.