Courageous Stand by Norwegian Muslims

It didn't get a lot of attention in the U.S., but Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard survived an assassination attempt last week in Denmark. Police shot and wounded a 27-year-old Somali man who had broken into the home carrying an axe and a knife.

He shouted "We will get our revenge!" as he hacked away at the panic room where Westergaard sought refuge until police arrived.

He has been the subject of repeated threats since his 2005 caricature showing what was interpreted as the Prophet Muhammed with a bomb in his turban. It was among the cartoons that were considered offensive and sparked violent demonstrations in many Muslim countries.

Westergaard told the Guardian newspaper that the image isn't "necessarily" that of Muhammad and could be seen as a violent fundamentalist.

Now, a group of Norwegian Muslims is calling for a demonstration in support of Westergaard. Shakil Rheman is calling on Norway's Islamic Council to organize the rally and says his group, LIM, will try to do so if the Council will not.

"It wasn't a mistake that the caricatures of Muhammed were printed, and in any case it doesn't justify violence. Muslims have just a great interest in protecting freedom of expression as all others. Therefore Muslims should also support Kurt Westergaard," Rehman, a writer, told a publication called Klassekampen.

It is important, Rehman said, to do more than give lip service to defending free speech. He also said a caricature should be tolerated, even if it offends people.

"Muhammed didn't want to be depicted because he didn't want to be worshipped like an idol. When Muslims think the prophet is insulted by being depicted, then they make him into precisely such an idol. Therefore there shouldn't be any problem to make a caricature of him. I will go so far to say that Muslim leaders are unqualified."

Rehman's call is more than just refreshing. It could serve as a global call to action for others to stand up to dangerous Islamic radicals.

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