Macron Defends French Free Speech Laws Amid Global Controversy Over Prophet Cartoons

"Five years ago, when we killed those who made cartoons (in the weekly Charlie Hebdo, EDITOR’S NOTE), the whole world marched in Paris and defended these rights. [...] Now we have had a teacher beheaded, several people beheaded. Many condolences have been discreet," lamented Mr. Macron in an interview with the online magazine Le Grand Continent. The French head of state had expected strong support from countries around the world, especially Muslim ones, following the assassination of history-geography teacher Samuel Paty on October 16 and three people in Nice on October 29.

"We have had, in a structured way, political and religious leaders from part of the Muslim world - which has nevertheless intimidated the other, I am obliged to recognize - saying: ’they only have to change their law’. This shocks me [...] I am for respect for cultures, civilizations, but I will not change my law because it shocks elsewhere," he continues. During the national tribute to Samuel Paty, the French president had defended the right to publish cartoons. These remarks sparked calls to demonstrate in several Muslim countries, including calls to boycott made-in-France products.

"It is precisely because hatred is prohibited in our European values, that the dignity of the human person prevails over everything else, that I can shock you, because you can shock me in return. We can debate and argue because we will never come to blows since it is forbidden and human dignity is superior to everything," he says.