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Steven Emerson,
Executive Director
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May 19, 2015
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Critics
of Islam Continue to Face Threats
by IPT News • May 19, 2015 at
12:32 pm
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French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo suspended a journalist
who received death threats for writing articles critical of Islamist
radicalism, according to Le Monde and reported by Daily Mail. In a move that many view
as hypocritical, the magazine called columnist Zineb El Rhazoui to a
preliminary dismissal hearing.
According to the French-Moroccan writer, Charlie Hebdo's
management is seeking to punish her for being outspoken about the direction
the magazine has taken since the Islamist terrorist attack at the magazine's office
which killed 12 people.
"I am shocked and appalled that a management that has received so
much support after the January attacks could show so little support for one
of its employees, who is under pressure like everyone in the team and has
faced threats," Rhazoui told Le Monde.
Rhazoui and her husband, Moroccan writer Jaouad Benaïssi, were subjected
to death threats from Twitter accounts claiming affiliation with the
Islamic State. Photos of Benaïssi and his workplace were published along
with suggestions on how to kill the couple.
Thousands of people on social media expressed their disapproval of the
magazine's action on social media, including other Charlie Hebdo
writers, accusing the magazine of blatant hypocrisy.
"...It is nasty and unfair to call a disciplinary meeting for a member
of staff who is still suffering incredibly...It is paradoxical that the
magazine receives prizes for freedom of expression while disciplining a
journalist whose life is under threat," writer Patrick Pelloux said.
Furthermore, senior Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Renaud Luzier - who drew
the front-page cartoon of the prophet Mohammed for the magazine after the
terrorist attack - has resigned citing personal reasons. He asserts that his
resignation was mainly a result of personal difficulties ensuing after the
terrorist attack and the trauma of losing his friends and co-workers.
Luzier claims the decision has nothing to do with internal divisions at the
magazine following Rhazoui's suspension.
Meanwhile, a suspected jihadist standing a criminal trial for planning a
robbery and possession of firearms is accused of discussing plans to attack Dutch politician Geert Wilders. According to
Dutch intelligence, the suspect returned from fighting in Syria's civil
war.
These developments show that people, from writers to politicians,
critical of Islamism and radical extremism continue to be threatened with
their lives.
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