Muslim Free Speech Protection Calls -14th November 2008


01. Governments across Europe must do more to protect people of Muslim backgrounds who face threats and attacks from militants for exercising their right to free speech, a report said.

The report from the UK-based Centre for Social Cohesion thinktank highlighted the case of 27 politicians, authors, journalists, activists and artists across the continent who had been targeted with violence and intimidation because of their comments about Islam and cultural practices associated with the religion.

And it warned that official failure to offer victims the protection they needed had left "significant numbers" of Europe's ethnic minority citizens unable peacefully to express themselves and created the impression that more Muslims were opposed to open debate and free speech than was actually the case.

It is the duty of European governments to protect the freedom of speech of all citizens, regardless of race or religion, and to pursue and prosecute those who try to use threats to silence them, the report, entitled Victims of Intimidation, said.

"Through doing so, European governments will be able to promote greater religious and social harmony by demonstrating that they see Muslims and those of Muslim background as full and complete citizens, neither restricted in their freedoms nor unduly permitted to issue threats against others," the report concluded.

Among the cases highlighted were those of Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie, who lived in hiding from death threats for a decade and Maryam Namazie, who received threats to her life after setting up the Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain and denouncing the veil.

The report also discussed the case of pop singer Deepika "Deeyah" Thathaal, who says she has been threatened, spat at and attacked with pepper spray for videos which show her dancing suggestively with a man and taking off a burqa to reveal a bikini underneath.

Douglas Murray, director of the Centre for Social Cohesion and author of the report, said: "The inalienable right to freedom of speech and expression has come under threat by Muslim extremists. Fellow Muslims are finding it increasingly difficult to criticise elements of their faith or culture without fear of significant reprisal.

"In a free society, no belief or set of values should remain beyond open criticism. To grant a belief system amnesty from discussion concedes that intimidation and violence can succeed.

"Unless Muslims are allowed to discuss their religion without fear of attack there can be no chance of reform or genuine freedom of conscience within Islam."

Visit: http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk

MORAL COURAGE PROJECT


01. Deeyah is featured as part of a new project, termed "Moral Courage" for Muslim Reform and Moral Courage. Deeyah is listed as an artist passionate about standing up for what she believes in.

Deeyah's outspoken opinion is being recognised in this project. Moral Courage is brought to you in conjunction with "Project Itjihad". Set up by Irshad Manji Project Itijihad is the international charitable initiative Irshad has founded to promote a positive vision of Islam - embracing diversity of choices, expression and spirituality.

Visit: http://www.takingitglobal.org/partners/moralcourage/

SINGER'S BROTHER UNDER POLICE PROTECTION

01. The drama never stops, the latest twist in events comes as news breaks out all across the norwegian media that Deeyah's younger brother Adil "Beyond" Thathaal - has become the target from religious extremists for standing up and supporting his sister.

Adil won the Norwegian version of hit popular dance show "So You Think You Can Dance", since winning, it has catupulted him into the media limelight and given him his own celebrity status. As a break dancer Adil has danced on stage for Common, Nelly Furtado, Destiny's Child etc Adil - stage name "Beyond" has had two leading roles in the west end in Norway and is currently starring in a new theatre producton.

From what I have gathered when asked about the way his sister has been targetted, Adil simply commented that he found it ridiculous that people feel they are allowed to threaten her. He also said that he supported her 100% in everything she does. Now this support to you or I is what you'd expect from a sibling.

However his reaction and outright support towards his sister has drawn unwanted attention from Extremists who have been sending Adil death threats. Several leading norwegian news outlets are now reporting that Adil Thathaal is under police protection, because of the actual danger he is in.

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