Islamic extremism and Islamophobia have been in the news following uproar in Europe after a French teacher was beheaded for allegedly showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad two weeks ago.
The incident prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to denounce Islamic extremists and vow to protect free speech, including the right to republish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad. Not surprisingly, Macron's comments have invited criticism from leaders of Muslim nations, who warned the statements would stoke Islamophobia across the world.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday wrote a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, demanding the social media giant place a ban on Islamophobia and "hate against Islam" similar to what has been put in place for the Holocaust. And as has been his style over the past year, Imran used the opportunity to target India.
Referring to the Nazi pogrom of the Jews, Imran wrote, "today we are seeing a similar pogrom against Muslims in different parts of the world". Imran referred to incidents in India to substantiate his claim. "In India, anti-Muslim laws and measures such as CAA and NRC as well as targeted killings of Muslims and blaming of Muslims for coronavirus are reflective of the abominable phenomenon of Islamophobia". Imran claimed "In France, Islam has been associated with terrorism and publication of blasphemous cartoons targeting Islam and our Holy Prophet... has been allowed. This will lead to further polarisation and marginalisation of Muslims in France".
Earlier on Sunday, Imran, in a series of tweets, attacked Macron for his statements on Islamic extremism. Imran alleged, "Unfortunately, they (Macron's government) chose to encourage Islamophobia by attacking Islam instead of violent terrorists (whether Muslims, white racists or followers of Nazism). It is unfortunate that President Macron has deliberately resorted to provoking Muslims, including his own citizens.”
Imran declared, ".... With his unprovoked attack on Islam, President Macron has attacked and hurt the feelings of millions of Muslims in Europe and around the world.”
Over the weekend, France recalled its ambassador to Turkey after Turkish President Recep Erdogan made an insulting comment about Macron, questioning his mental health and his country’s treatment of Muslims.
