Copenhagen, 07/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - EMHRN (the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network) “has followed with great concern the development of the case regarding the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed” in the Danish press. “Freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential elements of a democratic society” and applies also to information and ideas that “offend, shock or disturb States or any group of the population”, including religions, it says in a press release. But this right carries duties and responsibilities in relation to the rights of others, not only as regards the content of the expression, but also as regards the immediate context and broader social, cultural and political context in which it is used,” states the EMHRN, referring to the European Court of Human Rights. The Network considers that “the publication (…) of caricatures of the Prophet Mahomet could be seen by a great part of the Muslim world as an unjustified aggression. The fact that the cartoons among other things identified Islam with terrorism can only increase the xenophobia and racism that these populations are already victims of in Europe. Furthermore, this kind of image contributes to discrediting entire countries and their populations.” At the same time, however, it “is deeply concerned about the way the case has developed in many parts of the Arab world” and “strongly condemns all violent actions”. The EMHRN believes that open-minded, sensitive and transparent dialogue between concerned parties is the best way to avoid misinformation, misunderstandings and hurting the feelings of others. It “strongly opposes any attempts by regimes as well as by radical groups in the North and the South to misuse the feelings of many people to create barriers and clashes between them”. Finally, the EMHRN opposes “attempts in Europe and the Arab region to describe the current situation as one of cultural clashes”. It reminds Heads of State in the Euro-Mediterranean region of their commitments, given in Barcelona, on the respect of freedoms and on the fight against discrimination of any kind.