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PRESS STATEMENT

September 12, 2007

The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) has for decades been working with a population who are known for the strength and depth of their religious beliefs. The vast range of activities undertaken by SCA, throughout Afghanistan and over many years, is a clear evidence that successful outcomes can be achieved – provided that we work alongside the population and through a partnership based upon respect of beliefs and religious convictions.

In Afghanistan, any portrayal which denigrates the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is a deep violation both of Islam as well as of Muslims and will be felt by Muslims as being deeply offensive as well as humiliating. The publication of the cartoons results in a potentially explosive clash between democratic freedoms; on the one hand the right to freedom of speech and on the other the right to practice one’s religion and to do so within a framework of respect for beliefs. Both freedoms are fundamental and must be treated with great responsibility.

The effect of such a degrading portrayal of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) entails a clear risk of strengthening those forces who are against both democracy and development. To publish such pictures leads inevitably to a clash between two democratic goals; one goal being the individual freedom of speech, the other goal being to support millions of people in their struggle for democracy. If the publication was meant to generate a more open and broader view of democracy and human rights, it is a complete failure since it will lead to the exact reverse in situations where democracy and human rights are under threat.

SCA is deeply sorry for the offence that the publications cause to the people with whom we work since it is an irresponsible violation of other people’s beliefs. Such publications may also lead to increased risks for Swedes – not just for Swedish Committee aid workers in Afghanistan but also for Swedish interests and institutions in the wider Muslim world.

Stockholm and Kabul, 30 August 2007

Lena Hjelm Wallen, President
Bengt Kristiansson, Secretary General
Anders Fange, Country Director