The Borders Of Press Freedom

I HAVE read the letter titled ‘On rights and limits to freedom of speech’ in your newspaper of 17-03-06 and it is indeed sad that it contained many contradictions, wrong statements and poor judgments.

Please allow me to correct few things: * Before one writes about a religion, one should learn about it first. The word Islam means peace and Islam is indeed a very peaceful religion (read Islamic textbooks or consult Muslim scholars if you wish to know the truth).In fact, Muslims are ordered to have mercy even during wars, they are ordered not to kill an elderly person, a child, or a woman, or to cut a tree.* We cannot blame a religion for the behaviour of one or some individuals (that is what we do with other religions).Islam is fully against violence.In fact, in spite of all allegations, it is growing.People wouldn’t adopt a violent religion! * Press freedom will not be dismantled because we say religions and prophets are borders the press should not cross.If urging violence is a crime, then we are in fact protecting the press from committing it because insulting religions or prophets shall in every way provoke others and may spark violence.Press freedom is not about making jokes or mockeries of religions or prophets, it is about seeking and telling the truth; it is about different views and opinions for the sake of correction and construction.For a better life for everyone, I repeat what has been mentioned earlier, mutual respect and understanding, tolerance and coexistence.Dr Hesham R.Lotfy Science Faculty UnamThe word Islam means peace and Islam is indeed a very peaceful religion (read Islamic textbooks or consult Muslim scholars if you wish to know the truth).In fact, Muslims are ordered to have mercy even during wars, they are ordered not to kill an elderly person, a child, or a woman, or to cut a tree.* We cannot blame a religion for the behaviour of one or some individuals (that is what we do with other religions).Islam is fully against violence.In fact, in spite of all allegations, it is growing.People wouldn’t adopt a violent religion! * Press freedom will not be dismantled because we say religions and prophets are borders the press should not cross.If urging violence is a crime, then we are in fact protecting the press from committing it because insulting religions or prophets shall in every way provoke others and may spark violence.Press freedom is not about making jokes or mockeries of religions or prophets, it is about seeking and telling the truth; it is about different views and opinions for the sake of correction and construction.For a better life for everyone, I repeat what has been mentioned earlier, mutual respect and understanding, tolerance and coexistence.Dr Hesham R.Lotfy Science Faculty Unam