MOSCOW, January 18 (Sputnik) – The Saudi Arabian-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is planning to sue the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, after its newest publication illustrating the Prophet Mohamed, reports The Independent.
The decision comes as demonstrations against the controversial image on last week’s “survivor” issue turned violent in some cities of Niger, Pakistan, Algeria and other Muslim countries.
Madani said, “OIC is studying Europe and French laws and other available procedures to be able to take legal action against Charlie Hebdo,” reports The Independent.
“If French laws allow us to take legal procedures against Charlie Hebdo, OIC will not hesitate to prosecute the French magazine.”
On his personal Twitter feed, Madani added: “These cartoons have hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world.
“Freedom of speech must not become a hate speech and must not offend others. No sane person, irrespective of doctrine, religion or faith, accepts his beliefs being ridiculed,” reported The Independent.
Elsewhere in the Muslim world, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani condemned Charlie Hebdo, calling the latest cover image of Mohamed 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.
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Abadi also expressed condemnation, warning that “offensive words might lead to further bloodshed”.
He also restated his condemnation of the attacks on victims in Paris, saying that terrorism, “has nothing to do with Islam in any way”.