Azeri Paper Publishes Cartoons of Christ, Virgin Mary

Baku, Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan’s weekly Yeni Habar has published cartoons of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary in response to the cartoons of Prophet Mohammed in Danish and other European countries’ press.

The author of the cartoons quoted by Day.Az web agency said they were a response to the “insults to the Prophet Mohammed” and reminded of freedom of speech.

Azerbaijan’s Press Council chairman, Aflatun Amashev, condemned the cartoons that he said offended Christians. He said they conflicted with the country’s constitution, law on media and journalists’ code.

Iranian embassy to Azerbaijan also condemned the cartoons saying an author could have not known of Virgin Mary (Maryam) mentioned in the Quran or had a goal to arouse hatred between Moslems and Christians.