MOSCOW, KOMPAS.TV – Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended the Prophet Muhammad and insisted insulting him is not freedom of speech.
He expressed this at his annual press conference, Thursday (12/23/2021).
“Insulting the Prophet Muhammad is a violation of religious freedom and a violation of the sacred feelings of those who embrace Islam,” he said as reported by the news agency. Tass quoted from TRT World.
Also Read: Christmas Mass at Vatican Limited to 2,000, Pope Reminds Jesus of Simplicity
Putin acknowledged the importance of artistic freedom in general, but also stressed that there are limits and should not infringe on the freedoms of other communities.
He said Russia has a tradition of respecting other cultures and religions since the country, which represents 11 percent of the world’s landmass, developed as a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society.
The 69-year-old leader said this respect was not widely available in other countries.
On that occasion, Putin also denounced Nazi photos on the internet, one of which has the title Eternal Regiment dedicated to Russian citizens who died in World War II.
Also Read: Russia Plans Emergency Mass Funeral, Believed To Be Prepared To Attack Ukraine
Actions that violate religious freedom and hurt the feelings of adherents of a religion, Putin said, will give rise to retaliatory actions by extremist groups.
– .
