Metin Peker, chairman of the Association of Turkish Cartoonists, speaking to Today's Zaman condemned the cartoon published by Swedish newspaper Nerikes Allehanda depicting Prophet Muhammad as a dog, saying it has nothing to do with freedom of expression but is obviously the product of the ill intention.Caricature is the art of satire and humor and should never be used for insult or oppression. Such cartoons are not acceptable. Certainly they do not help the peace and mutual understanding of different cultures and do not contribute to world peace, which we are genuinely in need of. It is clear that such works are simply the products of an ill intention aiming to provoke
Peker suggests these cartoons come at a delicate time for Muslims as Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, is approaching. This is proof that it is provocation, according to Peker.
Chairman Peker is also extremely upset and angry that cartoon art is being used as a tool for such a dirty policy. "We are sick and tired that cartoon art is now repeatedly used as a weapon to hurt the feelings of Muslims. Of course cartoons are a very influential tool that reaches the masses easily. Everyone can understand and get the message quickly. This characteristic of cartoon art is now being used to make sensational insults. Peker adds that he did not understand why such outrageous works are published. But more than that, friendly countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden, which we always praised for their peaceful, respectful and humanitarian attitudes, are unfortunately becoming more and more the source of aggression and discrimination.
It's a conspiracy! Muslims oppressed! Everywhere!
The chairman of the association of Turkish Cartoonists urged Lars Vilks, the Swedish cartoonist in question, to offer an apology and asked the Swedish paper Nerikes Allehanda to be more careful when publishing such cartoons. Chairman Peker concluded that with more than 1,000 members, the association condemns and protests such cartoons. He also called on the world's cartoonists to be respectful to others.