France’s double standards exposed

THE confrontation between the Russian Embassy and the French government over a satirical cartoon published by the embassy, glaringly exposes the hypocrisy of France and it’s stance on freedom of expression.

French leaders have brazenly trumpeted that they are a fully fledged constitutional democracy, and that they allow dissent without fear or prejudice.

It was then president Francois Hollande who gloated during the Charlie Hebdo fiasco, stating that France’s commitment to freedom of expression was “non-negotiable”. Why the volteface over a Russian satirical cartoon?

France colonised Algeria for 132 years, committing war crimes and testing nuclear weapons in the Sahara that affected thousands of Algerians, without apologising for its atrocities or paying compensation.

Let history record that as many as 29 countries that were under occupation in the continent are still pursuing reparations for the crimes.

The effect of the cartoon must be judged from the standards of reasonable and strong-minded individuals, and not those of weak and vacillating minds, nor those who scent danger in every hostile point of view. Freedom of expression applies to everyone in

France, except Muslims and our religion.

Suddenly a Russian cartoon attacking Europe is found to be unacceptable. The swift response of the French government defies logic when criticism about Islam is widely condoned and encouraged in the name of freedom of expression. Hurtful depictions of Islam are considered acceptable, defiant gestures in defence of free expression.

This combination of Voltairean bravado and selective restrictive measures has created a deeply contradictory attitude towards free speech. Selective application of free speech harms the universal values and ethical principles of French society. This sadistic display of double standards must end.

It is hard to understand the French reaction to the Russian cartoon against it’s vigorous defence of the right to depict Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) in cartoons.

Restrictions must be justified on the anvil of necessity and not the quicksand of convenience or expediency. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, France is a flawed democracy.

It is no longer the crème de la crème of democratic institutions. FAROUK ARAIE |