French editor fired over publication of prophet cartoons
The managing editor of a French daily newspaper that republished caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad has been fired, the paper said today, as debate over the drawings mounted among French Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The drawings, which first ran in a Danish paper in September and have riled the Muslim world, were reprinted yesterday in France Soir and several other European papers rallying to defend freedom of expression.
The managing editor of France Soir, Jacques Lefranc, was fired after the publication by owner Raymond Lakah, an Egyptian magnate, employees of the paper said today. No reason for the decision was immediately announced.
Islamic tradition bars any depiction of the prophet to prevent idolatry.
The drawings have prompted boycotts of Danish goods and bomb threats and demonstrations against Danish facilities, and have divided opinion within Europe and the Middle East.
The publication drew a stern reaction from the French Foreign Ministry.
