Protests in Iran against French cartoons

Ghanbar Naderi
Press TV, Tehran

Iranians from all walks of life took part in a protest rally in front of the French embassy in Tehran to protest against the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and the publication of an image of the Prophet Muhammad. They also protested French President Emmanuel Macron for his support of secular laws that allow blasphemous caricatures to be published on the pretext of freedom of speech.

Just like their counterparts in other parts of the world, the protesters call for boycotting France and its products. They told Press TV that governments should also condemn hate speech and discrimination against Muslims in Europe.

Iran has summoned the French ambassador to protest France's stance on the caricatures. The country’s Foreign Ministry told the top diplomat that France is permitting hatred against Islam under the guise of support for freedom of expression. It’s a sentiment also shared by the protesters here.

Mass protests have been held across the Muslim world to condemn the publication of the blasphemous cartoons and Macron's anti-Islam remarks. Shops and supermarkets have removed French goods from their shelves in several countries including Palestine, Qatar, Yemen, Kuwait and Jordan. Calls for a boycott are also being echoed in places like Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, and Algeria.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir