Saturday, August 18, 2007

Muslim leaders in India condemn attack on Taslima Nasreen -- and call for an end to free speech

We read:

"Muslim leaders and intellectuals today strongly condemned the attack on controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, terming the incident as "shameful" and "barbaric". "The incident was outrageous and shameful. In a civilised society, you have a right to approve or disapprove of anything," noted lyricist and author Javed Akhtar said.

Delhi Minorities Commission chairperson Kamal Farooqui said the incident was condemnable, specially as three MLAs were involved in it. But, he said, the government should also ensure that Nasreen is not allowed to do or write anything which hurts the sentiments of Muslims. "The government should immediately cancel her visa and make her go out of the country," he said, adding, "she should realise that this is not Bangladesh or Pakistan, but India where the sentiments of all communities are respected."

Source