Botswana condemns satirical cartoons of Prophet Muhammad Godfrey Ganetsang The government of Botswana has released a statement condemning the continued publication of purported images of the Prophet Muhammad in the name of freedom of speech. In a statement released on Tuesday by Dr Jeff Ramsay, Director of Government Communication and Information Systems (BGCIS), Botswana said it does not subscribe to recent suggestions being put forward in some quarters that there can ever be a “right to insult” a community’s religious beliefs, anymore than it is acceptable to insult on the basis of race or other inherent attributes. Botswana called for respect and understanding of why different communities hold certain things to be sacrosanct, adding that it was unfortunate that some publications would persist in publishing purported images of the Prophet Muhammad. The statement further said there is no democracy in which freedom of speech absolute as there is always a need to appreciate the corresponding need to respect the dignity of others. “While we can never condone those who kill in the name of God, neither do we believe it is either wise or acceptable to deliberately cause offense to the religious beliefs of others,” read Dr Ramsays statement. In that regard, read the statement, Botswana finds it unfortunate for any individual or institution to go out of its way to cause offense to the religious sensibilities of others, be it via the media or alternative acts of abuse such as vandalism. Botswana also called for equitable distribution of resources in the fight against terror and a global appreciation terrorisms shared effects and consequent need for appropriate channeling of resources. “In this respect the lives lost to wanton acts of terrorism on the African continent are just as precious as those of victims elsewhere,” read the statement. However, Botswana also reiterated its condemnation of all acts of terrorism and committed to cooperating with other nations in common efforts to counter trans-national crimes including threats to international peace and security. It also called for dialogue and cooperation to build cross-cultural and religious tolerance, combat terrorism and promote mutual understanding and respect predicated on an appreciation of the diversity of cultural and religious traditions in the world.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:20:04 +0000
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