In the wake of the recent attacks on Kurt Westergaard, The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists has reissued their statement regarding the Danish Muhammad cartoons and free speech.
The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists condemns the recent lawless attack on Kurt Westergaard and emphatically and unequivocally reiterates its support for the right of free expression by the world’s cartoonists.
Freedom of speech is the foundation of a democratic society. Protecting such a vital liberty inevitably leads to the defense of viewpoints that some may find offensive. The drawings of the prophet Muhammad published in Jyllands-Posten in 2005 are a case in point. While the motivation and judgment of the Danish artists and their publishers remains a suitable topic for debate, their right to free expression without threat or intimidation cannot be compromised.
Violence such as the recent attack on Kurt Westergaard in his home can never be defended and must be condemned by everyone who values free expression.