CAIRO —The French weekly Charlie Hebdo has continued to draw a somewhat contradictory reaction across the Muslim world. Many Muslims have expressed disgust at the deadly assault on the magazine’s Paris office by Islamic terrorists, who killed 12 people. However, many remain deeply offended by the magazine’s record of publishing cartoons lampooning the Prophet Muhammad.
Those passions were further inflamed last week when the magazine’s first issue since the attack carried a cover cartoon depicting Muhammad holding a “Je Suis Charlie” sign.
According to mainstream Islamic tradition, any physical depiction — even a respectful one — of Muhammad is considered blasphemous.
In the West African nation of Niger, President Mahamadou Issoufou said at least 10 people were killed after violent protests broke out against the latest cartoon depicting Muhammad in the French publication.
Issoufou said five deaths were reported Saturday after demonstrations in the capital of Niamey. The victims were inside churches and bars that were set ablaze, he said. On Friday, at least five people were killed in the town of Zinder after prayer services there.
Iranian judicial authorities on Saturday banned a daily newspaper for publishing a front-page headline that allegedly indicated support for Charlie Hebdo.
Mohammad Ghoochani, chief editor of the daily Mardom-e-Emrooz, or Today’s People, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that his paper had been ordered closed.
The paper’s Tuesday edition featured a front-page article with a headline that quoted filmmaker and activist George Clooney as saying, “I am Charlie Hebdo.” However, the accompanying article did not actually express support for Clooney’s statement, nor for the magazine itself.
Elsewhere in the Muslim world Saturday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani condemned Charlie Hebdo, calling the newest cover image of Prophet Muhammad a blasphemous and irresponsible act.
“Freedom of expression should be used in a way to boost understanding between the religions,” he said in a statement issued by the presidential palace. “Afghanistan has suffered many years of war and violence, more than any other country, and it is necessary to understand and promote peaceful coexistence among all the people of the world.”
Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also issued a statement of condemnation, warning, “Offensive words might lead to further bloodshed.”
