OSCE Media Freedom Representative defends papers' right to publish controversial cartoons, asks for mutual respect for traditions

VIENNA, 3 February 2006 - Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, defended the traditional right of a free press to publish satirical cartoons, even if they depict figures in established religions.

Commenting on the recent publication by several European newspapers of a set of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed, which originally appeared in a Danish newspaper, he said, "I understand the sensitivities of those who feel their traditions have been slighted by these cartoons. But the right to question all beliefs is itself a cherished tradition in democratic countries.

"When respect for traditions is recommended, it should be mutual. What many of the demonstrators, and some governments, demand is State interference into the work of the media. This action would contradict the core commitments of the 55 OSCE participating States."

He added: "The OSCE stands by responsible journalism, but we believe that governments are no agents in this business. Publications that are offensive to certain sections of society should be dealt with through the self-regulatory ethics bodies of the quality press, for example, press councils.

"This Office has always defended the right to ridicule ideologies as part of freedom of expression, even in cases when the satire might have been provocative," the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media pointed out.

In this respect, Haraszti was referring to the case of Gerhard Haderer, the Austrian caricaturist who was sentenced to prison in Greece in 2005 for depicting Jesus Christ in a demeaning manner. In another case in 2005, Polish editor Jerzy Urban was prosecuted for insulting the dignity of the Pope.

"In both cases, without siding in any way with the views of the defendants, our Office protested the fact that these people were brought to court by the state, and insisted that their right to differ be honoured," said the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.