Al Jazeera apologises for comments against Islam

Web posted at: 3/7/2008 2:30:48
Source ::: The Peninsula

Doha • The Aljazeera Arabic News Channel has apologized to its viewers for offensive comments against Islam made by "Wafa Sultan, a Syrian- born lady" a guest of its last Tuesday programme Al Itijah Al Mu'akis (The Opposite Direction).

The live debate programme was on the reprinting of cartoons in Denmark that insult the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The channel had also cancelled the rerun of the programme which was to be telecast on Wednesday and Thursday.

The programme had drawn a massive reaction through telephone calls, faxes, and email from inside and outside Qatar criticizing and denouncing the comment made by the guest, Al Sharq daily has said it learnt, adding that the programme had further generated a strong outrage among the channel's staff.

Muslim scholars have, too, strongly criticized the programme, rejecting the argument by some people to defend freedom of speech.

Mowafi Azab, a scholar working with Ministry of Awqaf, said: “We hope for an international law to be in place to curb such cultures which would only increase hatred among people and youngsters, in particular.” He added: "It would be good if the channel had stopped the live debate that day."

Ahmed Al Bouaynen, another scholar and Imam of an Al Wakrah Mosque, said that it was better not to host such guest who has been known for her "offensive" remarks against Islam.