High demand for Muhammad cartoons

The debate on this subject did not encourage public debate on the subject of freedom of speech or did it raise the profile of this vile person. I think we should condemn this misguided man and go on with our lives. For my part I will never buy newspaper that bears his name, until he apologizes for his foolishness; and I hope others would do the same.

The premise of all religions is groundless but this does not give anybody the right to insult the believers. Religion helps believers in time of crisis. Let it be.

I really dont see any news in this except to bring the issue up again.

Shame on TL.

Freedom of speech!! If you don't like it then don't buy the newspaper. i loved it and thought it was funny.

Freedom of speech all the way! I they were not overpriced (guessing), I would buy and plaster them all over my walls myself.

Do not see any shame or wrong doing in bringing up the issue again. And yes, it is a very important issue.

@manamann

Does freedom of speech give me the rights to call your mother a dog .. and is that funny too?

ha ha

@livinginsweden. YES. That is freedom of speach. to say things and hear things you may find offensive. That is freedom. You may not like it, but that is freedom.

that is why sweden should outlaw islam. the religion of hate. and yes I am free to say this due to freedom of speach!

@livinginsweden

Does freedom of speech give me the rights to call your mother a dog .. and is that funny too?¤¤¤¤

Sure does. The real question is, does that then allow me to throw a childish temper tantrum and kill you for it?

@ dazzler

you said it .... childish ... is the word.

ha ha

20 pictures sold is not high demand, no matter how i look at it. what was the purpose of this article ?

@Twiceshy

Is there any religion of love ? almost all of them condemn non-believers to hell or something like that. It would be nice if people did not believe in imaginary stuff but religious people have a huge blind spot and can't see that their religion is just as ridiculous as rest of the religions.

@someoneonthenet

Yes there is nearly a religion of love .... atheism....

You are right, its funny when two people believe in two different fictitious gods .. they start a fight becos his god hate the other .... and the other god hate his god.

religions are mutually hating beliefs ... my god say your god is a dog .. your god say my god is a dog. .... incidentally look at the reverse way of spelling dog .... does that mean that if you look up the back side of the dog ... you will find god?

ha ha

Lars should never apologize. This is Sweden.

"Yes there is nearly a religion of love .... atheism.... "

I am far away from being religious, but Stalin and Red khmers prove that theory to be wrong as well...

However, I must agree that nobody killed IN THE NAME of atheism. Only WHILE BEING an atheist, which is a big difference.

If he is profiteering from such work, then he can pay for his own private security.

Why should swedish tax payers bear the brunt of his actions while he is off making a profit?

High Demand? 20 pcs sold...funny ..TL needs to market it more through this kind of articles...

Freedom of Speech: doesnt give you right to insult and abuse others.. there is always some code of ethics some responsibility associated with our actions and speech even in a global perspective

Dialogues: I havnt seen any real dialgue where people just abuse each other.. that can be a brawl, a street fight, a bunch of idiots trying to prove them scholars/authority, dialogues are carried over in a systematic way

Religions: I dont like religious people whatever religion they come from they think and act same way...but i dont disrespect them..for they have freedom of choice

Religion of Love: I have not seen any athiests on this forum and in general who dont act like religious people, hating religious people and hence killing the purpose of being an athiest.

@uncle

Why did you put stalin and red khmers as examples that the theory is wrong?

Atheists does not go around telling everyone they are the only ones with the right god and that the rest or dogs...

I said nearly a religion ... but human beings .. often kill not because they believe in atheism... but their political belief.

You can count the number of war, war dead, genocide deaths, etc. committed by generals and politicians who go to church, temples, etc. on weekends and pray for their own soldiers ... that are killing others as they pray! ... and imagine this: their gods are looking down, listening to those prays ... and saying OK i hear you, i will bless and guard your soldiers and i help them kill more of their enemies more successfully

Funny .. scene isnt it uncle?

ha ha

I wonder what would happen if the Monty Python team did a movie about Islam - life of Brianesque....

Does humilating and insulting other,s faith is freedom of speech?. Where is the freedom of speech on the topic Holocast.

@livinginsweden

"Atheists does not go around telling everyone they are the only ones with the right god and that the rest or dogs..."

Man, you know nothing, nothing at all.

Atheism in communist or in nazi country worked just as a fundamentalist religion. Temples, icons, relics, holidays, all.

Hundreds of millions just in XX century were killed because of this "religion". You dare to compare this to any religious regime, you name it!? Hundreds of millions.

Read books then speak!

About Islam, yes, there are muslims full of hate. But this is not all Islam is like.

HOW CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT RELIGION IF YOU DON T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT???

Just 20 sold?? Was expecting a higher figure to match the superfluous headline. .

@To All Muslims

You guys should never ever feel offended by such silly things from losers. Your prophet was alone and he challenged the whole world. What I want to tell you is those who insult your religion or your prophet are just jealous because Muhammed is rated among the greatest people since the humanity has started. Be proud of who you are and you are welcome where you go.

@To all liars

If Sweden has freedom of speech, then, why on earth most of the comments get deleted and its users getting blocked ?

"your freedom ends where my begins" ..so be careful of what you call freedom. sweden is the country that is trying to show respect to differences in gender, race, believes, sexual preferences etc. Its such a big contradiction here. Respect for the differences brings to equality. Would you make fun publicly on races? How will that be judged? Its basically the same thing here, respect people's differences. This is a shame. Its obvious that this guy wants to be popular by seeing the popularity of the previous one thinking: hmmm, what to do with my life? Do I have anything to contribute to this world? No? Then let me just attract popularity by inventing nothing, cause I got nothing to offer to this world.

Freedom of speech would just create "reasons" which would justify many undesired "freedom of actions". We must know that if someone start abusing persons on streets (while exercising his right for freedom of speech).. he would never be apprecited and all the chances that he would be taken to task by someone in an undesired manner.

Lars Vik has the same personality but the scope of scenario is different. All those who advocate "freedom of action" need to draw a limit where respect of belief, emotions or sentiments should not be at stake. Peace

These kind of so called ''Artists'' are that famous that their next doo neighbour don't know them. So they do such things just to get cheap popularity.

They want to be ''famous'' even if people start disliking them.

So this action is just to become ''Darling of Media'' by Lars otherwise he is just an unknown ''Artist''

@Fahad Waqas

We will send all muslims to heaven, so u can molest small kids and some virgins too. The Serbs was right..

I am ready to draw any kind of offensive religious stuff if someone will buy it. Or should I try to sell those pictures on street?

How do you think what the reaction of people in Stockholm would be if I would put some religious, erotic, pornographic pictures in front of the T-centralen or something like that?

For example:

Mohamed on the cross instead of Jesus?

Muslims praying in fron of Jesus?

Jesus reading Koran?

Only fascists buy work of Lars Vilks and only fascists support insulting of people on the basis of religion. user livingsweden showed that he/she is fascist with public proposal to outlaw islam. There is the law against racism, this artist should be in prison, the same as user livingsweden.

i being a muslim have no problems with that pic because no one has a picture of muhammad.

but Gesus has a picture and mary as well and if he uses the same cartoon for them.I dont know if it will hurt the feelings of christians but it will defenitely hurt the feelings of muslims because we consider him one of the mightest messanger and u will see muslims will protest against it as well.

For the pleasure of one you cannot hurt the feelings of millions.This is not freedom of expression this is ignorance

@ali_bin_umar

In Europe, they had to struggle for centuries to get this freedom of expression, to come here and threat them to give up this freedom is just extremely offensive, insulting and ignorant. Ironically if freedom of expression goes away, muslims are most likely to suffer from that (Islam has the worst reputation here).

@Swati

The picture of jesus that you see in movies is not actual picture.

@Alex Coman

All humans are irrational, religion encourages it and makes superstition something to be desired, which is a very dangerous thing especially when religious leaders decide that God wants them to do something. It also makes people hostile to change (just compare how many times religion has led in fight for new rights to how many times it has opposed these changes). Hopefully in our life time, Christianity in West will accept homosexuality, birth control and abortion, just as it has accepted that women are equal to men and that religion is a personal matter. And our children will be told by religious people that religion never had anything against these things, it was just culture of those times. Can you imagine what would have happened if it was found that 7000+ members of a company/organisation molested children and people incharge were just worried about a scandal and kept it secret for decades. Catholic church has done it and still claim that they are the moral people (know what is right and wrong) and vast majority of people still accept it.

Atheists might do horrible thing but they do not kill because of their atheism (everyone is athiest in one way or other, to most Christians, all Hindus, Budhists and other eastern religions are equivalent to athiesm (because they do not believe in Jesus), same is true in the opposite direction), as far as Nazi Germany is concerned, most people who carried out all horrible things were Christians. Athiest also do not have a book to which they have to stick (or at least think of excuses when something in that book has been proved wrong). If Christians and other religious people can provide any rational reason (something written in a book some thousand years ago does not count) for why they oppose birth control, abortion and homosexuality, most athiests will be more than happy to change their opponions.

In the West, the idea that all religions are equal (or at least no one religion is much better than rest of them) goes against the teachings of most religions, believers accept it only because they do not have a choice in this matter.

nobody SANE is proposing legal charges against the artist coz that would be trampling on his rights, what i dont understand is the media and people´s urge to show solidarity with such a piece of art. Opportunistic people like Vilks will always be around and have the right to do what they like within the confines of the law but that does NOT mean we should encourage him or turn him into a hero

basically one guy offended 1.5 billion people by calling their Prophet(s.a.w) a dog and somehow he has the Moral high ground and is a beaming light of democracy?

i wonder if he would still be a hero if he used Birgitta Birgersdotter instead?

FYI she is the patron saint to of sweden

The intellectul elite of the society(intelligentia) in USA and UK and many others is unquestionably more mature and superior than Sweden and Denmark. Consequently they refrain from such practices which Sweden and Denmak deem hallmark of democracy. I feel pity on both of them.

@ali You seem to be confused about the freedom of expression for indivduals and actions of states. In general the misconception seems to be since nations are not censoring their citizens the nations must agree with them.

This would be the same as if the choices/actions of a daughter or son in a family reflected the beliefs of the entire family, people actually used to think like that a few hundred years ago.

This is the best example of the freedom of speech which is being practiced in the WEST

http://www.jasonchatfield.com/blog/article/377/royal-romp-cartoon-lands-spanish-magazine-in-trouble

@bezjaj

"The Serbs was right...." what do you mean? Serbs were right about what ?

@Larson Here is another take on the same issue

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7092413.stm

What is notable though is that all articles express worries about this, and that censorship is a problem that needs to be solved. No one is expressing that it is a good thing.

All this uproar and threats of violence over a picture. Sweden better not cave to the pressure of this medieval and backwards thinking.

Everyone is à HYPOCRITE!! All religions are hypocritical!! Catholic bishops/priests talk about love, etc and they cover up major abuse of Young children. No-one seems to be prosecuted or even acknowledge the sick crimes that have been committed by so called Catholics. Muslim periodicals release offensive pictures about Jews & the Holocaust. Israel treat Palestinians like dogs. Despite Israel breaking UN resolutions, the West do not enforce them or penalise them. Dubai embrace Westerners by turning à blind eye to alcohol, sex between unmarried people. Yet, in public they have their laws, which they occasionally use to show that they are doing something. Basically compromised their values for money, but won't admit it. People who complain about immigrants not integrating, yet make no effort to try integrating with them or when they move abroad, basically live as if they still live in their home country. Let's face it everyone, we're all hypocrites. The Vilks guy is a total idiot, but the bigger idiots are the ones who want to kill him over it. Is their religion so weak, they need to threaten people who criticise their religion. Sad really!

@ali_bin_umar

Many newspapers in USA and UK (like most of the developed world) also published these cartoons but you apparently seem to either forget or forgive them. Many major newspapers did not publish them not because they thought you were right but because they did not need any publicity and they did not want to get in the middle of this issue. I don't think any Western government banned these cartoons, if i am wrong please correct me. Muslims in USA are better educated and have a stronger ties with USA and don't make as much fuss as their counterparts in europe do.

20 is high?!!

By the way anything which bothers others is slightly a more interesting topic for many people. That's the reason why papers usually try to publish rumors, etc. This guy could have got more profit if he was anti-semist or a white supremacist because people are often inclined to approach forbidden stuff.

@someoneonthenet

"I don't think any Western government banned these cartoons, if i am wrong please correct me."

I believe that some of the Western government apologized to Muslims like chickens and their heads were down and ashamed.

@mikmak ... Lars Viks is not individual , he is being allowed to use the platform of media to hurt the feelings of billions... if the nation can chant slogans and show sympathies for issues like gay marriages which exist in minorities then why turn the deaf ear where belief of billions have been ridiculed.... in fact freedom of expression is necessary but if some one comprehends its true spirit. Sweden is far way rather diverted on the path of true democracy. I.5 billion request Lars Viks and Sweden to understand the fact that in no way this cartoon can be comfortable with the sentiments of muslims. Here is voice of democracy... will someone care?????????????

I protest against all those who have humiliated my Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W And Feel Very Sorry For the People Who don't repect other's Religion, I respect everybody's religion so in return I want every one to respect My religion, I would Never Feel Hurt If SomeOne Hurts me even with a Physical wound but would always be Feeling Very Sory upon the act the people committ with out taking care of the other's religion.

shame on all sweden to allow such bastard and a mother-idiot to make such offensive act;shame on him and on his origin.

I want to raise a fact... in my opinion since it is freedom. want to put the prince carl instead mohammed, and his daughter victoria with him

How will it look when both will be..... D. O. S?

the best thing in Sweden is the freedom!

@ali_bin_umar

hurt feelings of billions (over issues like this) are less important than life of one person. If Muslims were targeted unfairly then governments might have stepped in but creating special exceptions for Muslims is just wrong. You can cry all you want and twist things as they suit you but freedom of expression will be here and once it is gone, then chances are high that a new dark age will start and you might prefer that..

@Waseem Turk

if you really respect other religions, try to improve situation of minorities in muslim countries (many countries forbid preaching any religion other than islam), in stead of crying about a drawing which no one would have noticed if you had not started crying. No one should have to respect your delusion, people are only required to tolerate your delusions.

If Allah is so powerful, why doesn't he strike Lars Vilks down with a bolt of lightning?

If drawing a cartoon of Muhammad as a dog is racism, then what is Ahmadinejad saying that the Holocaust never happened? And what is the Arab-European League publishing several cartoons including one showing Anne Frank in bed with Hitler? It is okay for Muslims to insult other religions, but others cannot insult Islam?

If Muhammad is more important than Jesus, then why is the birth of Jesus known world-wide as year zero?

Islam is not a religion of peace. The word itself means submission. It is a religion of submission, the submission of all non-Muslims to Muslims, i.e. slavery.

The "feelings" of the muslim world are moot. There is free speech in Sweden. End of discussion. You may not like Lars Vilks or respect him, but since this is Sweden; you have to respect his right to say what he wants. Hooray for Sweden!

@Waseem Turk

I respected all turks, becuase they have a great culture and was secular..but that seems to change noe. Turkey is going back to the stoneaga..bye

Here is the proof that Islam is founded on pure Hypocrisy.. So spare me your empty words.

http://media.artdiamondblog.com/images2/IslamicCartoonHypocrisy.jpg

i would like to share something....

there was a woman in times of muhammad PBUH.she used to put rubbish on him when he used to pass by her house..but muhammad never changed his route to avoid that..one day muhammad was passing by and the women didnt cameout to put empty the dustbin on him..muhammad knocked her door to ask why she was not there..she told that that she is not feeling well that day...the woman turned into muslim that day

so i would advice the muslims to tolerate these things

@someoneonthenet

You just tell some of your opinions. All these based on ignorance.

"All humans are irrational" Where this? You know all about humans, don t you? Rational is, for an atheist, to know that you have the power to do everything you want if you cannot be punished. To kill, to rape, to destroy, in fact all is just atoms and people are not more than animals we eat...

"Religion...makes people hostile to change" :-D

Slavery was abolished by Christians from UK, read about it. I don t give you more examples because you lack much more info I can give you here, on this site.

But I must tell something about a good one of your writings:

"If Christians can provide any rational reason for why they oppose birth control, abortion and homosexuality, most athiests will be more than happy to change their opponions."

Ok, you just try to be funny, I guess. Abortion is killing of a human being who has an awareness of his/her environment and her/his own existence, sensations, and maybe thoughts. Studies about autism( read on wiki what is this) show that in prenatal period the human beings, fetuses, has a rich conscious life...

This is not the topic. But I cant stop myself thinking how errr, uneducated are most of you, atheist. You speak about science and you hardly graduate a high school or work in an area which has nothing to do with things you "know" so well that you easily could teach others.

Racism is being prejudiced against someone for his/her race. Islam is not a race; it is a religion. People of many races are Islamists. I think what the Muslims are claiming is that they are being persecuted for their religion as if they are the only ones being persecuted. The drawing is unimpressive. 20 copies is no high demand. This article was probably meant for us to run out and get one. Many of us have said it many times: we have all been offended by someone else, BUT that doesn't mean we should try to kill the offender.

@Audrian - I disagree with your assessment that this did not encourage public debate because it has and it definitely raised the profile of this person. It is sad that you see him as a vile person and that he should be condemned. He is to be CONGRATULATED because one must remember that ALL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH IS THAT GOOD MEN DO NOTHING!

Your statement that "The premise of all religions is groundless" shows your narrow understanding of religion. To say that there is no "right to insult the believers" is also short sighted. He drew a cartoon, some people saw it and laughed; some people saw it and felt nothing; some people saw it and claimed it was an insult.

I do agree with you that islam IS the insult.

@someoneonthenet - "Is there any religion of love? almost all of them condemn non-believers ..."

The really interesting thing is that there is no real religious education. If people had access to neutral factual religious education, imagine the REAL choices we could be making! AND YES! There are a number of love based non-condemning religions out there. Right off the top of my head - Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Wiccans, and even variants of Christianity comes to mind.

@Tangobit --

--"Freedom of Speech: doesnt give you right to insult and abuse others.." - Yes it does give you the right. That "right" crosses the line when it becomes hate speech! It is surprising how many times the truth about something is interpreted as insult and abuse!

--"Religions: ...but i dont disrespect them..for they have freedom of choice" - I really disagree with you on this one because over 1 billion people on this planet DO NOT HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE! Islam is notorious for preventing its followers the FREEDOM of CHOICE! You chose to leave and you die!

--"Religion of Love: ...athiests... hating religious people and hence killing the purpose of being an athiest." - So narrow a view because your first assumption is that because an athiest mocks others, that they are hating those people. I can mock someone and still not hate them. ALSO - to talk about "the purpose of being an athiest" is to not understand such things. You do NOT JOIN the atheists. One day you realize there is no god and that atheist label is then placed on you. It has no purpose, it is simply a statement of fact.

@Shakeel "Where is the freedom of speech on the topic Holocast." Holocaust denial is the only restricted speech in Europe - so what is your point?

@Alex Coman - "Atheism ... Hundreds of millions just in XX century were killed because of this "religion". ... Read books then speak! ... HOW CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT RELIGION IF YOU DON T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT???

Alex, you need to chill because ZERO people have been killed by "this "religion"". As the saying goes, you are mixing apples and oranges! Also, Alex, which "APPROVED" books should one read? IMHO, to know islam is to fear islam. The more I learned about it, the more dangerous it became as a religion.

@Nordic Prince - "...Muslims...You guys should never ever feel offended by such silly things ... Your prophet was ... those who insult your religion or your prophet are just jealous because Muhammed is rated among the greatest people since the humanity has started..."

Nordic, the followers of islam ARE offended by such silly things because for the last 1,400 years they have been taught that any afront to their PROFIT or their religion must be dealt with harshly. They have lived in these secure environments safe from any insults UNTIL they migrated to the WEST! Now they must act the way they have been told to act for the last 1400 years!

The scariest part of islam is the fact that they worship their profit as the perfect example of a man. When I study islam, all I see is a man who's actions can only be mildly described as depraved! Most followers know nothing of their profit or the terrible things he did!

@ali_bin_umar - "All those who advocate "freedom of action" need to draw a limit where respect of belief, emotions or sentiments should not be at stake."

Respect of belief is irrelevant. He drew a CARTOON! It is the others who attached such negative meanings and emotions to it. People NEED to be challenged! It is the only way to grow.

@asteriks - It does not seem like you know anything about fascists! You also know nothing about racism. This artist did nothing racist!

@Swati - I think the real ignorance is that the followers of islam know very little about their profit or their religion.

@someoneonthenet - "In Europe, they had to struggle for centuries to get this freedom of expression, to come here and threat them to give up this freedom is just extremely offensive, insulting and ignorant..."

Well said!

@DamnImmigrant

You are so funny ...... learn how to write English first, then, come and comment on people..... Your comment #52 and the section that concerns me, you have mentioned word "profit". In English "profit" means: The return received on a business undertaking after all operating expenses have been met.

BTW, funny enough you have repeated the word 3 times ....

@saucymugwump

There is no ZERO year FYI. There is only 1 B.C.E and then you start with 1 C.E (or BC & AD). There has never been a year ZERO.

But you are right about the rest of the stuff you said!

If this guy who claim to be artist argue that selling an "offensive and provocative" pictures of a man who has over 1 billion followers whom may feel offended and insulted consider it fine then I guess he should go to a therapist.

I wonder if someone has the same cartoons of him in a very insulting way what would be his reaction.

This man should be questioned by the Swedish authorities and there is no freedom of speech in insulting others. If insult and offensiveness would be forms of speech then this concept should be redefined.

I think Muslims should send this article to the Swedish embassies by email and ask for their response. If needed they should demand action from the UN against Sweden as a country of extreme hate crimes.

To all Muslims,

I don't have much knowledge about islaam but some things I want tell you. Before 1400 years when Prophet Muhammad announced with the permission of God that he is Prophet of allah. Most people became angry and become enemy of Muhammad. Those non muslims abused Muhammad and said many bad words. Some of them said direct to Muhammad you are a lier and amy be some more words. But Muhammad did not become anger and he did pray for those non muslims. Muhammad said oh God! guid them to right path. Why Muhammad did not become anger? Because he knewd that these people don't know abot me and about Allah (God). I just want say if Lars vilks makes a cartoon about Muhammad. Will Muhammad be a dog no and never. He was the prophet of muhammad. He can never a dog. Oh muslims! Your prophet was alone and he challenged the whole world. What I want to tell you is those who insult your religion or your prophet are just jealous because Muhammed is rated among the greatest people since the humanity has started. Be proud and don't loose your heart. you are the best nation in this world and Islaam is right relegion.

Hello every body!

This is Sweden and here every body is free to say any thing and any word. It means I am allowed to say that Lars vilks is dog. I am allowed to say that the president of sweden is dog. I am allowed to say all swedish are dogs. Do you mean freedem like this. If you say yes this is freedem I will not agree. This is not freedem. And this is against of humanity. I will say to all Muslims to tolerate this situation and don't lose your heart.One day will come when these people will know that Muhammad can not be a dog. If you can not become a good swedish please try to become a goon human. Think good and do better.

An artist don't go by some book or follow 'teachers' instructions, she sets the rules by herself and IT IS UP TO her to decide what she wants to create... if the work suit or not to the society/other people is irrelevant. Some of you should try to clean out your mental debris, maybe then you can find new ways of thinking.We should not limit the freedom of expression just because some people or even if the majority of a society get insulted. Its naive to believe that you can pass through life without getting hurt sometime.

To EVERYONE: Take a chill pill :-)

NOBODY wins in the argument of religion... NEVER EVER!

It's all about Faith (Believing in something you don't see)

Just believe in what you're mind can achieve and just be at peace with everybody then everybody is happy!

EnJoY!!!

im unable to figure it out why that issue is being raised again n again..... what r the european cocuntries upto???? do they wanna see to wht extent they can drag us , by saying n showing the cheap behavior like KUTTA (dog) Lars.... do they want some reaction from the Muslims. we can never tolerate this kind of things anymore...

n im agree with MR. JUNAID , if there is the freedom of speech i can also say bad to everyone.........

but as far as the religion is concerned have they ------ seen any Muslim saying anything bad to any prophet of God (Naooz-o-Billah)???????? NO because we respect ALL OF THE PROPHETS OF GOD, INCLUDING JESUS .......BUT WE BELIEVE MOHAMMAD PBUH IS THE LAST AMONG THEM. We LOVE him n RESPECT him alot, n its intolerable to see or hear something even a little bit wrong abt him.

This issue has been raised so many time from the Scandinavia ONLY. Swedish government should take control of this media issue, else it a very very serious things and hurting all the Muslims of the world.

These cartoonist are doing business by selling cartoons.

As he said in the interview that I wanted to show to the world we can do anything in the name of freedom, But the cartoonist is liar and he is selling the cartoons.

Now it is time that he should be charged doing business.

Lars Vilks made a very cheap provocation with a "freedom of speech exercize" pretext, that's all. Now let's just move on.

He is just trying to make money from the haters of the Islam in Europe. I guess you can`t make people respect to freedom of speech or evolve when you trigger hated between societies right?

It is interesting to me how much importance islamic cultures mis-place on words. These pictures are very useful because at some point those in the islamic culture will start to become desensitised and start to behave appropriately. They should learn the words we learned as kids - that:

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"

Put my mothers head on a dog and all of my family, including my mother, would be laughing their asses off. The words and images just do not have the same meaning for us.

@DeadPrez - "does NOT mean we should encourage him or turn him into a hero ... be a hero if he used Birgitta Birgersdotter instead?"

I think the actions of a billion people definitely encouraged him and THEIR actions definitely turned him into a hero! If he had used Birgitta NO ONE would have noticed and he would still be living in obscurity. You are doing it to yourselves!

@Mib - "All religions are hypocritical!! ... Let's face it everyone, we're all hypocrites...Is their religion so weak, they need to threaten people who criticise their religion."

All Religions? Again trying to make sweeping condemnations based on a limited subset of your religious knowledge. I also disagree that all "we're all hypocrites". Few people I know are hypocrites. I would find it sad if you truly are surrounded by them. Maybe you need to change your friends and/or dump your family.

YES! I do believe their religion is so weak that they are forced to defend it through 1400 years of constant indoctrination.

@ali_bin_umar - "he is being allowed to use the platform of media to hurt the feelings of billions...where belief of billions have been ridiculed...I.5 billion request Lars Viks and Sweden to understand the fact ..."

He is using the media to demonstrate a point about censorship. The 1.5 billion people you mentioned have seen this? They have heard of this? There are only 9 million people in Sweden. Who is spreading these hateful images? OH, I get it, they are doing to themselves. Eventually they will hear it enough times to finally be desensitized to this type of nonsense. Until then YOU are making him into a hero and SOME OF YOU are trying to turn him into a MARTYR.

@someoneonthenet - "No one should have to respect your delusion, people are only required to tolerate your delusions"

Interesting point and again well said! Demanding RESPECT when in fact you are only entitled to TOLERATION. The more they DEMAND respect, the least TOLERANT people become!

@saucymugwump - "If Allah is so powerful, why doesn't he strike...It is okay for Muslims to insult other religions, but others cannot insult Islam?...Islam is not a religion of peace. The word itself means submission."

Yah, I like that one too, the fact that god forces man to exact HIS revenge instead of just waiting for the sinner to die! The hypocrisy of islam demanding respect while showing none itself has interested me too. You are correct too in the fact that it is NOT the religion of peace; it is the HOUSE of peace. The OTHER house is the house of WAR!

@Nordic Prince - "... learn how to write English first, then, come and comment ... you have mentioned word "profit". "

Your PROFIT through his Revelations saw to it that the principle source of income, PROFIT, for Muslims was wealth forcibly extracted from others. Your PROFIT raided caravans and murdered their drivers keeping their PROFIT. Your god even made sure that your PROFIT got 20 percent of the PROFIT, I mean plunder.

Your PROFIT - TORTURED - a town’s treasurer by lighting a fire on the mans chest to make him tell where the rest of the money (PROFIT) was hidden. I guess I could use one of my other favorite terms to describe your profit - PROPHETEER. The Televangelists are green with envy.

@omansour - "free ... speech then this concept should be redefined."

I know islam is desperately trying to get free speech curtailed in the West so that it does not have to face the criticism that its people have been protected from for all these years but it just will not happen. The followers of islam need to hear this criticism so they can start to educate themselves as to what it is they actually are believing in!

@junaid iqbal - "...Why Muhammad did not become anger?..."

Didn't become angry? You should learn more about the way he truly behaved! He waged a holy war murdering many!

@junaid iqbal - "Oh muslims! Your prophet was alone and he challenged the whole world. What I want to tell you is those who insult your religion or your prophet are just jealous because Muhammed is rated among the greatest people since the humanity has started. Be proud and don't loose your heart. you are the best nation in this world and Islaam is right relegion."

Some cut and paste action going on here from the same source Nordic Prince is using? - Like I said, when I study your profit, all I see is a man who's actions in life can only be mildly described as depraved!

@muslima - It is hurting moslums all over the world because THEY are spreading it themselves all over the world! This is good because sooner or later, they are just going to get used to hearing it and give up trying to complain. Many in the West cannot tolerate being told how perfect a man your profit was while seeing horrid stories of his depraved lifestyle.

I would not be to proud of the fact that I have only sold 20 of anything, let alone be harping on about it. From an artistic angle I gotta say that this sketch is neither funny nor clever. It is not even well drawn. I can only guess that he has 20 friends that bought a copy out of shear pity. He knew that publishing this image was going to cause controversy and was surely hoping that this would lead to huge profits. Even with this.....20. Seriously! 20? That is just plain embarrassing.

Freedom of speech is good.. but for me its like a weapon which either you use for your safety or to kill others...Most of the people judge ISLAM by the action of Muslims which is wrong.. if someone crash the BMW then it doesn't mean that problem is in car but driver can be incompetent... Many Muslims protested against movie "Fitnaa" but I being Muslim asking you watch that movie and note references of those verses then read those verses in Quran with full context and decide by yourself.

if someone says any wrong word against Muhammad(S.A.W) or Jeasus(A.S) we get hurt because we love our Prophet more than us, our parents and family.

Struggle for Freedom of speech was to bring harmony in the society but not to divide the society.

Let me tell you sth. about the human nature;

We, humanbeings, evolved. That's why our brain has a part that's similar to reptiles' brain. We behave like reptiles. We define our own territories(countries and so on) and defend that territories, just like reptiles. Not just human beings but all the mammals, except the ones which could deactivate/blind/atrophy that part of the brain during evolution, acts in the same way.

Furthermore, you are believing the thing most likely just because of the country and family you were born in. You are a muslim/christian/atheist/whatever just because of that. The number of people who changed his/her religion are not that high. So, please, let us, at least try to, approach eachother in a more friendly way. We did not chose who we are and where we were born.

@To all muslims;

Why do you care such things like that? I think it is funny. Mind your own business. Do your own job, who gives a thing to issues like that?

Twiceshy: But if Sweden outlaws Islam, then Muslims are not free to say whatever they feel like saying. How is that freedom of speech? Funny, you try to defend freedom of speech but you attack it in the same swing.

As I told you everybody, this conversation would never end in the name of religion :-)

I agree on some comments that let's just move on and mind our own business.

I also agree that this must be put into end cause it seems that this article is causing a division to all human beings. We are living on a single world anyway called Earth.

Have yourself a very great weekend with friends and family!

ENJOY!!!

hahaahah........"FREEDOM OF SPEECH" OR " FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION"??? The slogans by hypocrites of the highest order. Isn't it? When I target you, I hide behind this slogan but when you do so, I invoke my different rights including 'right to live'. Another example of hypocrisy is: if freedom of speech is the order of the day and TL posted this article to promote sales of fundamentalist crazy guy who has sold only 20 pieces of his satanic art yet, then why on earth TL has this nonsense" Report Abuse" button under every post. Where is the "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" OR "FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION". If someone wants to write some abuses against this artist but he/she can't simply do so as the post is not accepted straight away saying" Error: Comment rejected due to profanity". Where is the freedom of expression gone?

Again where is freedom of speech lost when I accuse that TL or Helsingborgs Dagbladet daily are being run by money earned through corrupt practices of drug pedaling . Where is the freedom of speech gone if someone only UTTERS his resolve or merely threatens to kill blasphemous Swedish artist or Danish cartoonist or the owners of such papers, which promote such actions. Then why the laws, the rules & regulations, the editing practices, the audits etc come into action? Isn't it against the spirit of so called "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" OR " FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION". The person who is threatening or accusing is just expressing his own freedom to do so. Lastly, why is there bar on uttering anything OBJECTIONABLE against Holocaust. hahahahahahahahah...... how funny and bitter are these realites. Some would not be able to swallow it. Hahahahhahahaha….

One shouldn't feel uncomforable if on one fine day a man distributing or pasting banners of Swedish royal family shown naked and banged from all holes from the group of no other animals but PIGS... captioned....... " Freedom of Speech"... I know my comments won't live longer here...

As I said before, the discussion become funny! A lot of people talking about things about they has not a clue...

A good one:

"cbe: our brain has a part that's similar to reptiles' brain. We behave like reptiles"

The man knows. A PhD in Psychology maybe?

Another funny guy:

DamnImmigrant,

man, a little history will do good for you. For centuries only the Church taught people to read and write. Because for the masses there was no other reason to read other then reading christian literature.

Please, a lot of you speak easy about things you get from magazines or from wikipedia. This is not enough. Read more, find out more. Then speak!

@Elton John. Ah, but here is the difference. If all of sweden were muslim, you would have no free speach. no other religion says it is OK to KILL a person for leaving it.

So, if you want to have free speach and expression then outlaw mulsims! If not, in a few years, you will never be able to answer me back!

Twiceshy: Non sequitur!

No, I do not see any relevant difference. The only thing I see is hypocrisy.

Freedom of speech??? ROFL !

its a criminal offence to deny the holocaust in Germany !

oh wait i cant see the freedom anymore...

I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

Maybe people should think about that statement before they get into a religious debate.

@svenskdod.. whose death?? yours or the one who said against your likes?

can't we all just get along?

If you do not like freeedom of speech and you are offended then maybe its time you go back to where you are from and be around like minded people.

OOoo poor things... Cannot deny Holocaust... Oh, I am so freaking sorry for the unfairness of life...

But hold on... The muslim dictatorships ENCOURAGE and TEACH denial of Holocaust... What a luck that there are some descent freedom of speech left in this world!

Of course it puts them in one group with the Nazis, as well as the will to submit the unfaithful to the true faith/race and solving all problems with military aggression, but hey, it is totally worth in the name of freedom of speech in the wonderful muslim countries eh?

Only Islam turns believers into a pool of gasoline waiting for a spark of faith to set them off such as caricatures of a person nobody knows the appearance of. Study Islam's history free online with the Historyscoper and see how deep the rabbit hole goes at http://go.to/islamhistory

If Islamists keep making such a big deal out of this; somebody will eventually get around to making Lars's picture into a T-shirt.

Hey Audrian, where were you you when the Brooklyn Museum had a picture of a crucifix in a cup of urine and called it art or when Larry David urinated on a picture of Jesus Christ on the show Curb Your Enthusiam on HBO and called it comedy? Where is your statement about forgiveness and foolishness for them?Where is the condemnation for the vile museum and Larry David?Catholics and Christians are made fun every day but if you cough on a mosque the whole world comes to a halt. Your comment about Muhammed is a double standard.

Hi Lars Vilk

I think u have done this only to earn money and to be a unknown to known to the people. Ur intention is to hurt the Muslims and create a conflict between Muslim and Non Muslim. Actually u have the lack of knowleges regarding the prophets.

If u consider a Prophet is as a Dog, Can u imagine what u r ?

I cannot say about u although i have fredom of speech because i have sense of morality but u dont have. Why i will write something that will create conflict among people? We should do something that will minimize conflicts, wars and established peace in the society. I think 3 rd world war will be started due to people like you-----------------------------------

Muslims are so hypocritical. Number one they profess being of the religion of peace, yet as soon as someone insult their mythological prophet all that peace goes out through their derrière. Every day they insult Judaism in all forms yet you don't see any Jews going about trying to kill the editors or those newspapers. Islam, religion of peace my asz.

@wenddiver

i would buy a t-shirt!

I would just like to share some famous quotes of well renowned scholars who really have studied Islam and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Its everyone's right to study, investigate and learn while keeping one's prejudices aside as it only restricts one's vision and ability to comprehend.

The quotes below have been compiled by Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq on their website http://cyberistan.org/islamic/quote1.html

In the quotations below, Western writers have used the word Muhammadanism for Islam. The word Muhammadanism connotes worship of Muhammad, an absolutely unworthy statement for any learned man to use. Prophet Muhammad's mission was to propagate the worship of the One and Only God (in Arabic Allah), the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. His mission was essentially the same as that of earlier Prophets of God. In the historical context, many such terminologies about Muhammad, Islam, and Muslims were borrowed from earlier European writings of the Eleventh to the Nineteenth century, a time when ignorance and prejudice prevailed. The quotations below attest to the facts. (Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq)

Thomas Carlyle in 'Heroes and Hero Worship and the Heroic in History,' 1840

"The lies (Western slander) which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man (Muhammad) are disgraceful to ourselves only."

"A silent great soul, one of that who cannot but be earnest. He was to kindle the world, the world's Maker had ordered so."

A. S. Tritton in 'Islam,' 1951

The picture of the Muslim soldier advancing with a sword in one hand and the Qur'an in the other is quite false.

De Lacy O'Leary in 'Islam at the Crossroads,' London, 1923.

History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.

Muhammad peace be upon him is a prophet of God and the greatest person to change the course of humainty is no other than Mohammad , well there are people like lars who make mockery of Muhammad ,but he does good to even his worst enemies, on one war the non beleiver of Muhammad killed his real uncle and mutilated the body , Muhammad when conquered Makkah forgive even killers of his own uncle.

Now comes personal example, My forefathers hail from place now knows as southern yemen , Muhammad came to yemen and you know what happened , all kids,thugs gathered stones and rocks and injured Muhammad , he was bleeding . God send Angel , and Angel said " God Says if you like ,those people can be crushed in mountains of Sanna (yemen)" But Muhammad says they will not beleive but there generation will be supporter of Muhammad. nearly 400-800 centueries after that Muslim saints who pratice real ISLAM not like many muslims of today (pious,honest,always tell truth) came to india (one of them was my grand grand grand father) and preach teachings of islam in india and i am one of there decendants. I wish i could be 100% in character,leadership qualities of those grand father.

Point is i may not live but people next generation of lars shall follow teachings of islam, this is the beauty of this religon, now about extermisim and terrorisim beleive me they are all zoinists or paid by them to mutiliate true face of islam

Message to fellow muslims ,dont get anger, if one says that sun is not that bright or just droplets of water (i.e cloud) cover whole damn sun. Does it stops sun from sending its energy, ligh to poor, rich,evil, good. Its just like that Muhmmad is like sun if someone says Bad thing about it doesnot make sense of it. His message is always brighter .

My forefathers are from region today knowns as southern yemen,

Well the greatest person on planet earth ever

" the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated."

Yep, that is why there are Muslim bosniaks in the heart of Europe, that is why third of Africa is muslim and that is why Spain was under muslim boot for hundreds of years... That is also why there are more and more mosks here and if they are not allowed, the muslim population is going to "peaceful demonstrations" with only few beaten and wounded.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that all those quotes are of non muslim scholars whose accomplishments and works are highly valued and accredited in our modern society. Isn't it thought provoking????

Now here are some more quotes;

Gibbon in 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' 1823

The good sense of Muhammad despised the pomp of royalty. The Apostle of God submitted to the menial offices of the family; he kindled the fire; swept the floor; milked the ewes; and mended with his own hands his shoes and garments. Disdaining the penance and merit of a hermit, he observed without effort of vanity the abstemious diet of an Arab.

Edward Gibbon and Simon Oakley in 'History of the Saracen Empire,' London, 1870

"The greatest success of Mohammad's life was effected by sheer moral force."

"It is not the propagation but the permanency of his religion that deserves our wonder, the same pure and perfect impression which he engraved at Mecca and Medina is preserved after the revolutions of twelve centuries by the Indian, the African and the Turkish proselytes of the Koran....The Mahometans have uniformly withstood the temptation of reducing the object of their faith and devotion to a level with the senses and imagination of man. 'I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honors of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion."

Reverend Bosworth Smith in 'Muhammad and Muhammadanism,' London, 1874.

"Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

"In Mohammadanism every thing is different here. Instead of the shadowy and the mysterious, we have history....We know of the external history of Muhammad....while for his internal history after his mission had been proclaimed, we have a book absolutely unique in its origin, in its preservation....on the Substantial authority of which no one has ever been able to cast a serious doubt."

yep ur rite uncle, islam is not spread by sword, its the true beleivers of Muhammad , whose character turned people to Muslims.

Alphonse de LaMartaine in 'Historie de la Turquie,' Paris, 1854.

What made scholars of such caliber to deem Muhmmad (P.B.U.H) residing on such high pedestal???? Considering the fact that these scholars dedicated their lives to such diverse fields as history, literature, politics, science..yet their views on Muhammad's (P.B.U.H) personality, his life, his actions and his greatness are quite unanimous..We human beings are deemed as superior species cuz we learn, we explore, we make conclusions and we can distinguish truth among lies and misconceptions. We are the most intelligent among all species (thats wat science tells us)..then please put your biased views behind and continue learning.

Alphonse de LaMartaine in 'Historie de la Turquie,' Paris, 1854

"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of a human genius, who could dare compare any great man in history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws, and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples, dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls.

"On the basis of a Book, every letter which has become law, he created a spiritual nationality which blend together peoples of every tongue and race. He has left the indelible characteristic of this Muslim nationality the hatred of false gods and the passion for the One and Immaterial God. This avenging patriotism against the profanation of Heaven formed the virtue of the followers of Muhammad; the conquest of one-third the earth to the dogma was his miracle; or rather it was not the miracle of man but that of reason.

"The idea of the unity of God, proclaimed amidst the exhaustion of the fabulous theogonies, was in itself such a miracle that upon it's utterance from his lips it destroyed all the ancient temples of idols and set on fire one-third of the world. His life, his meditations, his heroic revelings against the superstitions of his country, and his boldness in defying the furies of idolatry, his firmness in enduring them for fifteen years in Mecca, his acceptance of the role of public scorn and almost of being a victim of his fellow countrymen... This dogma was twofold the unity of God and the immateriality of God: the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with words.

"Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, Conqueror of Ideas, Restorer of Rational beliefs.... The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?"

@ coolguy09

" islam is not spread by sword, its the true beleivers of Muhammad , whose character turned people to Muslims"

Yep, and if the wonderful character is not enough (since so far the immigration from muslim countries counts in millions and to convert to any other religion in most muslim countries is as easy as to be a businesswoman), they get a little bit assistance by a little sword.

BTW, did you hear about islamic revolution "throughout the world" concept? The first time it happened there were hostages held for a year in the consulate, because Islam does not need violence... I wonder how many hostages are required if the ENTIRE WORLD experiences the light of this revolution....

The main mistake of muslims in sweden and in other countries is to react to cheap "artists" chit.These guys just want to make business and get famous.where is the art in replacing a dog by a prophet on a picture..i want to congratulate sweden and other european countries for this wonderful freedom of speech,m just wondering how the defenders of lars vicks freedom of speech would react,if a jewich or a muslim "artist" draws sant mary getting sc...ed by a dog, as it is "a la mode" to make art with dogs these days..would you apprecite high demands for this "chef d'oeuvre"

@Alex Coman - "...you get from magazines or from wikipedia. ... Read more, find out more. Then speak!"

Sorry Alex but I am not sure what you are trying to say about religion. I stand by my statement that although atheism can fit the definition of a religion, no one has been killed in "it's name!"

I have spent the last 4 decades studying religion, all religions. I feel it is necessary to understand the human condition. So I started studying it when the Internet was just being born and long before the WEB was created. I will say though that the WEB has become an excellent research tool.

@HOORAHOUTSTANDING - "... the Brooklyn Museum had a picture of a crucifix ... and called it art or when Larry David urinated ... and called it comedy? ... Christians are made fun every day but if you cough on a mosque the whole world comes to a halt."

Thanks for reminding everyone that these kinds of disrespectful "free speech" images happen all the time! Yes, some people and some groups call for boycotts over such acts but there are no threats of violence and the imagery goes largely unnoticed and is ignored!

@u_like_it - "@svenskdod.. whose death?? yours or the one who said against your likes?"

SVENSKDOD was quoting a very famous statement about the MOST FUNDAMENTAL idea of free speech;

"I MAY NOT AGREE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY, BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT."

It is saying that the DEFENSE of free speech is worth dying for, no matter if you agree or disagree with the speech! It is a statement that the followers of islam should start to learn.

@u_like_it - "One shouldn't feel uncomforable if on one fine day a man distributing ... from the group of no other animals but PIGS... "

@Elias06 - "...just wondering how the defenders of ... freedom of speech would react,if a ... sc...ed by a dog"

Like HOORAHOUTSTANDING has already pointed out - BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

It is happening all the time in the West. So what is your point?

You have not heard of these things happening here because the Western people complain and act in a civilized manner? These controversies disappear fast because we know NOT to put any energy into such revolting nonsense! After 1400 years, isn't it time for islam to learn it as well?

Also I would like to point out the MIS-PLACEMENT of words - in this case using the image of PIGS doing the sex to create shock in the viewer. Works for the islamic people because pigs and dogs are so disgusting! In the West, the image of a pig being used in sex would be an everyday occurrence because "ALL MEN ARE PIGS" so such an image would get translated artistically from the pigs into "MEN" in general. 8-0

@cbe - "...We, humanbeings, evolved... what you are believing ... most likely just because ... you were born in. You are a .../whatever just because of that. The number of people who changed his/her religion are not that high. ... We did not chose who we are and where we were born.

To all muslims; Why do you care such things like that? ..."

CBE, you are correct that we are evolved and have carried along many of those base instincts that can be defined an animalistic. Unfortunately, you are leaving out the fact that in this evolution, we humans are constantly striving to overcome those base instincts. Even though my instinct is to approach a stranger as an enemy, I can choose to override this and approach them as a friend.

Yes, your environment can influence who you are but your genetics play a much bigger role in what you become. Your culture plays a big role in your freedom to become what you will become. If you are raised in an islamic culture, your choices that go against islamic thought will get you killed. Other cultures encourage exploration and those individuals can become more than their upbringing allowed. CBE, you will also find that most atheists become atheists after some sort of religious upbringing so after being brought up to believe in god, they then choose to NOT believe in god! I believe you are also incorrect in your assumption regarding people changing their religion because my experience is that it is quite high. I have even found that 20 percent of the islamic people who migrate here from islamic countries actually leave islam for other religions or in fact become athiests!

Remember too, @cbe, @Elias06, that the reason islamic followers care about such things is that for the last 1400 years, they have been indoctrinated to believe they MUST DEFEND islam! IMHO - if it is not defended, it will vanish.

@damn immigrant,

my english is bad and i expressed myself bad, im not one of you islamic followers indoctrinated, im not muslim at all.iam just tired of people who in the name of speech freedom are becoming silly stupid and unrespectful.its not because you are free to talk that you can insult and not respect people in the goal to sell newspappers .if at least this cartoon was A criticise made on something "a little bit smart" we can say ok people are free to say what they want,but when in the name of freedom of speech you draw a dog with the head of a prophet..what is the goal of it that ? that he was an animal?that people following him are animals?

im not even mad at this artist iam mad at the newspappers who find him intresting and publish his chit,and im mad at muslims who give importance to these things,cuz he they if didnt care we would never hear about the dear LARS,these cartoon is just a free insult without any message.

@damn immigrant again i worked in sweden for two years with a french company,i used to hear people working there talking about swedish people and using these words : cold, boring, scared people,closeminded...and i never believed in that cuz i had swedish friends who showed me that swedish people are just like others, you find intresting ones,not intresting ones,funny ones not funny ones.

you just know muslims through simpsons you dont know what you are talking about.

@Syfar - "...Its everyone's right to study, investigate and learn while keeping one's prejudices aside as it only restricts one's vision and ability to comprehend..."

I totally agree with this statement but personally I might rephrase it to say it is every person's DUTY to study, investigate and learn. Unfortunately, few people actually find the time to do such things. They have their hands full just staying alive (Maslow's hierarchy). And like Maslow points out, the ability to do so without prejudice really only occurs upon reaching self-actualization.

I stated studying islam with only the basics that I was brought up with regarding it. That it was a religion of peace that worshiped the same god. My studies took me on an entirely different path of understanding. The more I put together, the more I feared what islam stood for.

Do not mistake my dislike of islam as a dislike of it's followers. I feel sorry for the followers of islam because they are stuck in the religion and are basically forced to believe in it.

I believe that people are basically moral beings. A morality that comes from an internal source and not an external source (religious). Many followers of islam know nothing of the true nature of their profit. The psychological implications of their perceived morality of islam vs the factual morality of islam would have devastating psychological consequences.

SYFAR, I question your own ability to study islam without prejudice because you are not allowed to question islam. To disagree with one verse is to be an apostate!

@malikazeem - "...Most of the people judge ISLAM by the action of Muslims which is wrong... if someone says any wrong word against Muhammad(S.A.W) or Jeasus(A.S) we get hurt because we love our Prophet more than us, our parents and family."

I judge islam by the actions of it founder! (For that matter, I judge all most religions by the actions of their founders!) And it's effects on the human race.

Never in my studies of religion have I read such ABHORRENT BEHAVIORS perpetrated by your profit in the name of any god!

The fact that you love him more than "than us, our parents and family" shows me the depth of your misguidance. These words are the very definition of worship and yet you deny that you worship your profit. It also shows me there is something deeply psychologically disturbing brought about by islamic beliefs.

@coolguy09 - "...islam is not spread by sword, its the true beleivers of Muhammad , whose character turned people to Muslims."

@Syfar - "...share some famous quotes of well renowned scholars...Muslim soldier advancing with a sword...History makes it clear...forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths...success of Mohammad...effected by sheer moral force...without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. ...for he had all the powers without their supports..."

SYFAR and COOLGUY09, I know you need to believe that islam is a religion of peace that spread by word of mouth. Sorry but the reality of history is that it spread though violence and intimidation! When the violent spread was finally countered by the Crusades, suddenly Christianity's attack was seen as unprovoked! Like @PEROPACO said "Muslims are so hypocritical."

The FACT is that EVEN TODAY it is STILL being spread by violence! Try to leave islam and you are an apostate and you are killed! Say anything bad about islam and you are likewise killed! Don't you dare even try to educate a follower as to other religions! And please don't insult us by saying those are extremists! It was your profit himself that started such actions! I always go to the source!

The worst problem is that it was NOT the followers who perverted the original teachings; it was your profit himself that started its violent spread.

SYFAR, the scholars you quoted spoke not one word of your profits true nature.

It was stated that The success of Mohammad was effected by sheer "moral force" ( defined as "an efficient incentive"). The brilliance of islam is that your profit definitely provided the most "efficient incentive". YOU KEEP WHAT YOU KILL! (Can you say Necromonger) Minus the 20 percent that god ordered the profit himself to take. If you die defending islam, an incomprehensible paradise awaits you. AND you are doing god's work! Talk about "moral force", I mean "efficient incentive"!

SYFAR, your quotes also missed the mark because he had "a standing army" which doubled as his "bodyguards" which also acted as his "police force" and I should add, his ENFORCERS!

NO FIXED INCOME!?!? They got rich robbing, murdering and enslaving people! How can you NOT know this?

@Twiceshy - I do not believe in outlawing islam. I think a fact based education about islam will have the desired effect. The truth will set the followers of islam in the West free! Those trapped in the islamic countries will not be able to be shielded from their apostate relatives in the West or from the Internet! Just the truth is all it will take!

To all those who claim they've researched enough about Islam and Muhammad..I seriously wonder what they have to say against the views of such highly esteemed Non Muslim Scholars...

Mahatma Gandhi, statement published in 'Young India,'1924.

I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind.... I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.

Sir George Bernard Shaw in 'The Genuine Islam,' Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936.

"If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe within the next hundred years, it could be Islam."

"I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion for from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity."

"I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today."

Arthur Glyn Leonard in 'Islam, Her Moral and Spiritual Values'

It was the genius of Muhammad, the spirit that he breathed into the Arabs through the soul of Islam that exalted them. That raised them out of the lethargy and low level of tribal stagnation up to the high watermark of national unity and empire. It was in the sublimity of Muhammad's deism, the simplicity, the sobriety and purity it inculcated the fidelity of its founder to his own tenets, that acted on their moral and intellectual fiber with all the magnetism of true inspiration.

Philip K. Hitti in 'History of the Arabs'

Within a brief span of mortal life, Muhammad called forth of unpromising material, a nation, never welded before; in a country that was hitherto but a geographical expression he established a religion which in vast areas suppressed Christianity and Judaism, and laid the basis of an empire that was soon to embrace within its far flung boundaries the fairest provinces the then civilized world.

I think I figured out part of the problem. It is the LACK of immigrant education.

We in the West have grown up with this concept of free speech. Countless hours were spent discussing it in school. We are comfortable with what it implies even if we can't expressly define it. We know we allow it even if we don't even agree with it. We have also learned that by ignoring what we do not agree with, it generally just fades away. Fight it and it can take on a life of its own. Interesting as well is the idea that free speech can also apply to actions and not just words.

We also know that there are limitations to free speech. The best example is that you cannot yell "FIRE" in a crowded theater (unless of course there truly is a fire)! There is also the problem with directed hate speech. The police may arrest you for something you said and the court may decide it falls under the protection of free speech. Then again the court may decide it was illegal speech! What free speech is, is NOT always obvious, even to the law enforcement.

Different free speech countries interpret free speech limitations differently. What might be free in one country is punishable in another country.

Free Speech is never free, it always comes at a cost. If it did not bother somebody, there would be no need to label it free speech. In other words, there is speech that has no need to be labeled free speech because it does not offend anyone (just the facts). Speech that has to be labeled "free", is speech that someone might strongly disagree with.

The idea of free speech is that the majority cannot silence the minority! It also means that those in power cannot silence their critics. Although this does not always ring true.

Free speech has NO requirement to be published. Just because you say something that might be absolutely true, there is NO guaranty it will be published. Newspapers are rife with self-censorship. If your statements of FACT will show a major advertiser in a bad light, the paper will choose self-censorship over the threat of loosing major advertising revenue. So in this case, those in power were able to "economically" silence their critics. The message has to find another outlet. This is where the power of the Internet can be so scary to those that want a message silenced.

@Elias06 - I try very hard to read through the English that is hard to read because I know what is being written is important to the person writing it. I believe it to be very IGNORANT to belittle someones English just because it is not their first language. I am sorry if you thought I put you into the islamic category but I was just commenting on your statements without such judgments. Normally if I am directing speech at a follower of islam, I will use the word "YOUR". Notice when I was addressing you, I used the word "THEY". As I said above, it has just dawned on me how we have failed the immigrants coming to the West because we do not do enough to educate them as to what free speech really means. For them it becomes a baptism by fire! They are suddenly faced with a concept we in the West take for granted because we have been extensively educated about it.

Elias06, if I understand this cartoon problem correctly, it is a direct challenge to an attack on free speech by the followers of islam. Islam threatens free speech through threats and intimidations. If you say anything derogatory about islam, you are threatened. You may be publishing the absolute truth about islam but if they do not like it or even agree with it, you are threatened! Unfortunately, if you threaten or intimidate someone in the West, they take it as a challenge to prove that islam cannot force censorship on the West. It is not about fame nor money. It is about the right of a free press to publish even if it bothers billions of people. I totally agree with you that if they just ignored it, we would not have even heard of Lars or the other artists. Unfortunately, as I pointed out, they cannot forgive any transgressions against their profit or his religion. It has been that way for 1400 years!

As far as my knowledge of islam and its followers, I know so much more than you can imagine. I have lived my life enmeshed in a multicultural society without prejudice for 4 decades. I thrive on interactions with other cultures. Religion, besides being one of my main areas of study, has also been a strong part of that interaction. If there is something new to learn, I actively seek it out!

@Elias06 - "...These guys just want to make business and get famous...where is the art in replacing a dog by a prophet on a picture..."

@shoshi20022002 - "...Lars Vilk I think u have done this only to earn money and to be...known..."

@Antioche - "He is just trying to make money from the haters of the Islam in Europe..."

EXCELLENT QUESTION "where is the art"? This is the OTHER area where we in the West are FAILING our immigrants' education.

Something that most people in the West are taught while growing up is that "ART IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER"! 6 billion people say it is not art and 10 people say it is art, well guess what - it is still art! Art is not a democratic process! One persons junk IS another persons treasure! Art is also one of those things that is protected by free speech. Just because some religion, or group, says that you cannot produce some image it finds offensive, free speech still allows that image to be produced. In fact many artists relish at the idea of breaking religious and societal taboos. The more controversy their work brings, the more successful the creativity of their work becomes. It is not about the money, it is about the recognition.

I really disagree with you guys regarding the "business" and "famous" aspects of this controversy. None of these guys are getting rich! Their work is definitely getting recognized! The only fame they get is from the death threats they receive and the fact that they are standing up to that "violent islamic religion that wants to force its views on us all." I do not share such views about islam and frankly I cannot even remember the artists names - but guess what. Along comes ANOTHER islamic threat upon their lives and BANG! There they are back in the news again!

This article taught me that you can get signed copies of their work! I did not know this.

@malikazeem - "Freedom of speech is good.. but for me its like a weapon which either you use for your safety or to kill others...Struggle for Freedom of speech was to bring harmony in the society but not to divide the society."

There is an old adage that "The pen is mightier than the sword", that words have greater power to create change than violence.

You are mistaken in your assumption that freedom of speech is a weapon used to kill others. In fact speech that is expressly directed at one group of people to kill another group of people is ILLEGAL.

You are also wrong in your assumption that freedom of speech was to bring harmony to a society. In fact free speech is expressly created to CHALLENGE societal norms! Its purpose is in fact to DIVIDE the society thereby creating strife within a framework that can then be discussed. Freedom of speech is an educational tool to help societies grow. If islam is acting so irrationally to these free speech issues, shouldn't islam be asking itself WHY it needs to behave in such a way and with such violence?

@shoshi20022002 - "Ur intention is to hurt the Muslims and create a conflict between Muslim and Non Muslim... u have the lack of knowleges regarding the prophets... Why i will write something that will create conflict...I think 3 rd world war will be started due to people like you"

This conflict is being created by islam. Why does islam let such words and images cause such anger. Good luck trying to get someone in the West angry because of some word or deed expressed against one of our most venerated people. The fact that islam wants to start a world war because it does not like the actions of someone in the West, is crazy talk, which I fear has more validity than fantasy.

@damnimmigrant,what i want to say from all that is that you shouuldnt brand all muslims as indoctrinated, they have brains and they can think and analyse,there are of course some who are indoctrinated some who are sickos but with your speech you are putting all of them in the same bag.

What annoys me most these days ,in france at least, is that in a very hard economic context we dont have anything intresting to talk about than muslims and their problems,its a political thing,our politicians dont have any solutions to improve the important matters so they prefer to talk about the origin of all our problems : islam

Now we read: Gay-hate imam to speak at Swedish conference

So islam can give hate speach about jews, gays you name it. Who cares how many they offend.

But the rest of us can not say or draw that mouhomad was part man part dog?

I strongly condemn the act of Swedish artist Lars Vilks, and the major Swedish newspapers for showing such a support to a contavertial issue on the basis of freedom of expression.

We, the human beings, regardless of any caste and creed must condemn such issues which lead us to a chaostic situation. we must repect the feelings of each other whether we follow a specific religion or not, whether we are of the same ethnicity or not , or whether we are from a same nation or not.

If we want peace and harmony in the world , then we must respect all other religions and there beliefs. At such a critical junture of the world and the society we must show a level of flexibility so as to reciprocate overtures of amity and goodwill in the society.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the most respectable and honourable personality for the Muslim world. If anyone study his life then i will be revealed that he never ever said a harsh word to non muslims, and his character was examplary both for the Muslims and Non-muslims. If he never done such things in whole his life then, think neutrally, that if it is appriciable to make fun of him by using different tactics?

Ofcourse, there are elements that don't want peace in the world thereby doing such activities to actuate the feelings of other. so be aware of it. We want peace in the world, we don;t want to fight , we don't want to make people cry, we never ever wanted to harm humanity rather we we want to work for the benifit of humanity. If we want our world to be a heavenly place then we should adopt such a way that would address the grieviances of each other rather then aggravating the situation anymore..

Thanks