Non-Muslim religious communities in Azerbaijan condemn publication of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad

"It is not only affront but also prepared diversion against the feelings of Muslims" saying spokesman of Baku and Trans-Caspian Eparchy Sergey Father told APA in his statement that, he calls this happening humiliation and infidelity. He thinks the goal of this diversion is to create standoff among nations and religions.

Head of Mountain Jewish Community Semyon Ikhiilov told APA that, nobody is allowed to affront the sacred of other religions. "Tolerance must exist among religions" saying Semyon Ikhiilov stated that, disrespect for other religions has never existed and can never exist in Azerbaijan: "Religious tolerance in Azerbaijan can be sample to the world. There are pictures of Christian saints in the churches, Christians go to churches and offer prayers. Islam and Judaism do not have descriptions, we directly offer prayers to God and nobody is allowed to provoke the religious feelings under the freedom of expression." Calling Islam the religion of peace Semyon Ikhiilov thinks that, terrorists misuse Islam: "Nobody is allowed to show disrespect for head of Islam, one of the most respectable Prophets Muhammad."

Head of European Jewish community Gennadi Zelmanovich also told APA that, he has very negative attitude to publication of cartoons of the Prophet. Gennadi Zelmanovich thinks that, people who are guilty for publication of cartoons have to apologize to Islamic world.

Head of Catholic church in Azerbaijan Yan Chapla told APA that, Catholics considers making of caricatures of any sacred or publication of affronting articles as impossible. In his opinion, it is the work of liberal and atheist forces. Yan Chapla says caricatures of late Pope John II were printed in Italian media and affronting films were shown. Chapla thinks that, it is necessary to fight against these actions in a legal ways: "It is unacceptable to set fire to embassies and take vengeance individually."