Cleric blasts sacrilege of Islamic sanctities in Sweden, France

Ayatollah Reza Ramezani, director general of Ahlul Bayt (AS) World Assembly has issued a message to explain the violation of social and religious rights of Muslims in Sweden and France and expressed regret over the desecration of Islamic sanctities in Europe which is claims to be the flag bearer of intellectuality and culture in modern century, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

Iranian Shia cleric urged intellectuals, rights organizations and European governments to stem such hatred crimes and anti-social actions behaviors in a peaceful process.

He stressed," Both sides of extremism: religious extremists like Daesh and Boko Haram and anti-Islam far-right groups like Hard Line Party Stram Kurs and Charlie Hebdo weekly are two edges of the same blade targeting rationality, security, democracy, peace, freedom, spirituality and peace in all human societies.

The cleric noted," It is more weird that such sacrilegious moves are made under the pretext of "freedom of expression and thought" while both are in contrast with "disrespecting sanctities and thoughts of others."

Director General of Ahlul Bayt (AS) World Assembly called the Qur'an burning in Sweden and reprinting of disrespectful cartoon in French magazine as clear manifestations of hatred and violation of freedom of religion.

He said," These two sacrilegious moves are clear instances of violating article one in declaration of human rights:" All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

The cleric rejected both instances of desecration of Islamic sanctities as violation of article 18 in declaration of Human Rights saying:" Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

Ayatollah Ramezani referred to article 26 of the declaration of Human Rights which finds the duty of education as "to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups" while the heinous moves in Sweden and France go against the article not leading to "further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace."

He referred to article 29 of the universal declaration stressing "everyone has duties to the community" in which in," the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society" while Qur'an burning in Sweden has threatened the security in Malmo and printing of the cartoons in Charlie Hebdo has led to outbreak of violation in France and other countries.

Secretary General of Ahlul Bayt (AS) World Assembly explained that the aforesaid points were mentioned based on the human rights declaration and beyond religious context while in view of the religious teachings all religions and denominations would reject the desecrations carried out in France and Sweden.

Ayatollah Reza Ramezani called on civil organizations and human rights bodies to peacefully settle these moves which merely promote hatred in societies.

Iranian Shia scholar announced preparation for holding scientific and cultural meetings, in a friendly ambiance, for all people proposing questions on Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and holy book of Islam.