FRP leader Siv Jensen wants the Norwegian government to give Macron his unreserved support and condemn Erdogan’s behavior in the new caricature dispute.
– What we see is a new caricature fight. Macron stands out as a brave man. But what he does is necessary. He settles with reactionary forces that want to restrict freedom of expression. And then I ask myself, where is the government’s moral support? says Jensen to NTB.
Also read Gunnar Stavrum’s comment: The West should stand together when liberal rights are attacked with threats
French President Emmanuel Macron is under heavy pressure from Turkey and their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as several other Muslim countries.
Macron has defended caricatures on the basis of freedom of expression.
– I believe that when France stands up for secular values and a freedom of expression that is under pressure, Norway must stand shoulder to shoulder with France, Jensen says.
The FRP leader’s statements come in the wake of the shocking terrorist attack in Nice on Thursday morning, in which one woman was beheaded and two others were stabbed to death.
Latest news: Terrorist preparedness in Nice: – At least three killed and several injured in knife attacks at Notre-Dame church
The perpetrator is said to have acted alone, and according to local media, he was shot during the arrest and is in hospital.
Watch police storm the church to stop Islamist perpetrator:
Erdogan
Among other things, Erdogan has compared the way Muslims are treated in Europe, with the genocide of Jews before and during World War II.
Following a cartoon by Erdogan in the latest issue of Charlie Hebdo, Erdogan accused Western countries, led by France, of having embarked on a new crusade.
Also read: Iran’s Warning: Insults to Muhammad could lead to violence and bloodshed
Jensen believes Erdogan’s polarization along religious divides is politically motivated.
– He represents a country that has divisions related to religious practice. He has an increasingly dictatorial way of governing. Many Turks want more secularism and a greater degree of freedom. What Erdogan does is politically and religiously motivated, says Jensen.
Denmark condemns
The FRP leader points out that Denmark’s Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod has come up with one clear condemnation of Erdogan’s behavior.
– I have not registered anything similar from the Norwegian authorities, neither from the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jensen says.
Following the murder of history teacher Samuel Paty, Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) went out and said that one must stand together against attacks on freedom of thought and enlightenment. She has denied accusations that she did not use the term freedom of expression as nonsense, but Jensen thinks it is not good enough.
Also read Gunnar Stavrum’s comment: The right to free speech is more important than protecting people from being hurt and offended
– The closest one has come from the government is the concept of freedom of thought. It is a completely absurd term to use in this situation. We have freedom of thought. No one can go into other people’s heads, but utterances are under pressure, says Jensen.
Clear support
Jensen says she expects a government that is much clearer on freedom of expression issues and with clear support for Macron’s line.
– One can only wonder why they are so careful, and that applies to the whole bouquet of Norwegian parties that do not say anything in this context, Jensen says.
Also read: No, the Muslim world is not outraged by Macron’s statements
Jensen says there have been “systematic attacks” on freedom of expression over a long period of time and refers, among other things, to the previous caricature fight in 2006 and the attack on Charlie Hebdo in 2012.
– We see attacks on a regular basis, and it is serious and must be cracked down on. The basic values of freedom are put under pressure again and again, and again and again.
(© NTB)
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