Official denounces desecration of Prophet (PBUH)

Tehran, Jan 17, IRNA -- Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Hossein Noushabadi on Saturday condemned desecration of Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and said abuse of freedom of expression and thought and insulting and taking violent measures against Muslims are condemned. 'It's matter of regret that a number of treacherous writers, who have not the least belief in any divine religions, desecrate the pure and sacred feelings and sentiments of more than one and half a billion Muslims worldwide under the pretest of freedom of opinion and expression. They ridicule the sanctities of a divine religion with their immoral and anti-professional moves and behaviors,' said Noushabadi, while condemning French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo's article insulting the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH). He said the downgrading and taking ridiculous moves by security and police officials of certain western governments in dealing with Muslims under the pretext of chasing several terrorists, who are trained by them, indicates their hostility towards Islam and Muslims, further disclosing their illogical and illegal approaches. He added that genuine Islam is the religion of peace and friendship, ration, logic, tolerance, kindness, justice and freedom. Muslim communities all over the world have already staged rallies to protest the desecration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The French magazine's latest cover shows Prophet Muhammed with a tear in his eye, under the headline 'All is forgiven'. He holds a sign reading 'Je Suis Charlie' (I Am Charlie). Millions of copies of the new edition of the satirical magazine were sold out this week in the wake of a January 7 attack on the office of the French Weekly in Paris, in which 12 people were killed. The French weekly has repeatedly provoked Muslim anger by publishing offensive cartoons featuring Prophet Muhammad.