The Times

I disagree with Jonathan Zapiro's statement: "Publish with a disclaimer - but don't stop people publishing". He has taken the name of Salman Rushdie and we are all well-aware of the writings of Rushdie and others like him.

It is unacceptable for someone to write about their next of kin in a derogatory, vulgar fashion. Similarly, it is unacceptable to maliciously degrade and slander personalities of the Islamic faith. Then, in the name of freedom of speech, Muslims are expected to be tolerant and accommodating.

This was exactly the case in the Rushdie saga and subsequently other unfortunate situations, the most recent being the shocking, blasphemous cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by a Swedish newspaper.

This is absolutely uncalled for and only God Almighty knows the real intentions in the minds of people who publish such filthy and nonsensical writings/images.

It is ironic that people are so sensitive about themselves and do not hesitate to sue for defamation of character – why the disparity? Freedom of speech should apply across the board. However this is not the case, and just as well, otherwise the word ‘respect’ would be removed from our vocabulary.

It is indeed sad to observe that in this time and age people can be so irresponsible.