Young Muslim Italians have expressed their support for journalist and recent Christian convert Magdi Allam, and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, after death threats were posted against them on an al-Qaeda inspired website. The organization Young Muslims of Italy asserted that no Muslims ought to sympathize with these threats, and that The association, Young Italian Muslims,…
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende issued a brief response to the release of Geert Wilders’ anti-Quran film ‘Fitna’ saying that he is pleased with the even-handed reactions from the Muslim world. However, Balkenende rejected the film’s equation of Islam with violence and said that the film had no goal other than to hurt feelings….
Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen distanced himself from remarks made by Geert Wilders, who praised Rasmussen in a television interview for backing the freedom of speech concerning the reprinting of cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. Rasmussen said he does not condone attempts to demonize religious or ethnic groups, saying I strongly condemn Geert Wilders’…
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende requested France to show solidarity should his country suffer any fallout over an anti-Islamic film made by Dutch right-wing parliamentarian, Geert Wilders. Without going into any details, Balkenende told reporters, We have indicated that if necessary we will need diplomatic support. Sarkozy’s spokesperson responded that the French president had…
From 12-16 October, Muslims in Britain have been celebrating Eid-al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. Both the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury were among those sending greetings – suggesting that such festivals are an important opportunity for people to find common ground. In his message, PM Gordon Brown talked of the Ramadan fast as…
