French PM says court can hear cases against anti-Muslim cartoonsSeptember 19, 2012 - 12:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Wednesday, Sept 19, anyone offended by cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed published in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo could take the matter to the courts, AFP reports. But he emphasised France's tradition of free speech. "We are in a country where freedom of expression is guaranteed, including the freedom to caricature," he said on RTL radio. The cover of Charlie Hebdo shows a Muslim man in a wheelchair being pushed by an Orthodox Jew under the title "Intouchables 2", referring to a French film about a poor black man who helps an aristocratic quadriplegic. "If people really feel offended in their beliefs and think there has been an infringement of the law - and we are in a state where laws must be totally respected -- they can go to court," Ayrault said. He also said a request to hold a demonstration in Paris against the controversial US-made anti-Islam film which has sparked furious protests across the Muslim world would be refused. He said the request had been lodged but would be turned down "because there is no reason to allow conflicts that do not concern France into our country". Charlie Hebdo is no stranger to controversy over its handling of issues relating to Islam. Last year it published an edition "guest-edited" by the Prophet Mohammed that it called Sharia Hebdo. The magazine's offices in Paris were subsequently fire-bombed. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |