The Ambassador

Swedish Embassy

Pretoria

September 03 2007

Sir

Caricature of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Muslims of South Africa and around the world are shocked and deeply offended by the caricatures of the final Messenger of God Almighty, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We write to you registering our strongest protest for this blasphemous action.

As your office may be well aware that a certain publication, "Nerikes Allehanda" of your country, depicted the face of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) on the body of a dog. The action of the newspaper is outrightly condemned and blasphemous, the intention of which is clearly to offend, incite and provoke.

Sir, at a time when there is a dire need for dialogue, tolerance and understanding in our world of turmoil, we are sure you will agree that there is no place for such provocation in any civilised society as done by the said newspaper.

We call on your office to immediately request your government to place a ban on the publishing of such damaging material and at once remove the offensive images from all media circulation points. The newspaper should also issue an unreserved apology for this act.

We anticipate a favourable response.

Yours faithfully

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