Regards, Ivan
Posted on 10/22/2002 8:02:34 AM PDT by MadIvan
French writer Michel Houellebecq has been cleared of inciting racial hatred by saying Islam was "the stupidest religion".
A panel of three judges in Paris declared that the author was not guilty after he was sued by four Muslim groups.
He made the comments in an interview with the literary magazine Lire in 2001.
The case was seen as an important battle between free speech and religious conservatism.
Houellebecq, who won the Impac literary prize in May, could have faced up to 18 months in jail or a 70,000 euro (£44,000) fine if found guilty.
He argued that when criticising a religion, he was not insulting its followers.
But the Muslim groups, including France's Human Rights League, said his comments amounted to "Islamophobia".
In the interview, Houellebecq said: "The stupidest religion, after all, is Islam.
"When you read the Koran, you're shattered. The Bible at least is beautifully written because the Jews have a heck of a literary talent."
He also described Islam as "a dangerous religion right from the start".
When he appeared in court to answer the charges in September, he said he felt contempt - not hatred - for Islam.
"I have never displayed the least contempt for Muslims," he said.
"I have as much contempt as ever for Islam."
Bravo! Bravo! Remain unrepentant Monsieur! - Ivan
He added: "I am always changing my point of view."
The author said he opposed not just Islam but all faiths that believed there was just one God.
It was his right as an author to criticise religions, he said.
Dalil Boubakeur from the Paris mosque told the court: "Islam has been reviled, attacked with hateful words. My community has been humiliated."
Boo effing hoo. Considering the people dead in New York, Pennslyvania and Bali, the least you can do is take this on the chin like a man, Abdul - Ivan
The groups suing the author also included Saudi Arabia's World Islamic League, the National Federation of French Muslims and the Lyon mosque.
The main character in Houellebecq's novel Platform admits to a "quiver of glee" every time a "Palestinian terrorist" is killed.
Funny, I feel the same way. I love it when the IDF nails them before they get to kill any schoolchildren. - Ivan
In 2001, the author said he had "a gift" for insults and provocation.
Regards, Ivan
Only PC-doublespeak will be allowed and anything you say that does not agree with THEIR way of thinking will not be tolerated.
Nice post!
BTW, remember that post re: Iraq Postal Stamps a week or so ago.
I emailed a picture of this 0cents Stamp as well as mailed a sheet to the contact person on that web site.
No answer yet!
Truth is an absolute defense against libel.
I thought France belonged to "the West". Just barely, it seems.
I was just about to say "Islamophonbia=common sense", but I like your way of putting it better!
Bravo! Some muslims in the U.S. want the right to interupt their work and flop out the prayers rugs on their jobs. And as you know, an Iranian mullah assnouncing a fatwa on Falwell, Robertson, and Graham for denouncing, in their own country, Mohammed.
No other religion is as demanding for their *rights*, which includes not allowing freedom of speech for Islam decriers. I was reading a Bernard Lewis essay last night and he points out the absolute mindset of Islam. They perceive themselves as possesors of THE only true religion and therefore all SHOULD accomodate them. There is a complete inability to perceive that most of the world doesn't see Islam that way. The world must change, is their thinking.
It gripes my soul to see them trying to use Western laws to get their way, knowing that such laws would never be allowed in Muslim countries. Demanding freedom of religion, when it would be squashed immediately back home.
LOL!
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