QUICKTAKE: “Utterly Irresponsible” – Grand Mufti Ceric

Bosnian Mufti Mustafa Efendi Ceric, in an exclusive interview with VOA’s Bosnian Service, commented on the anti-America protests around the world, including smaller rallies in Bosnia and the Serbian province of Sanjak, triggered by a U.S. amateur-made YouTube video and French cartoons lampooning the Prophet Muhammad. Below are some excerpts of his comments. The full audio, in Bosnian, can be heard below.

Peoples’ agendas

Some people have their own agendas and reasons for provoking with the movies like this one, or the cartoons and that is not the first time; however, it must not be a reason for the violence and fiery reaction we have seen so far.

Driving a wedge between the sides

I think that both in the West and in certain Islamic countries there are people who would like to prevent Muslims getting into good and close relationship and mutual cooperation with the Western countries. There is no prescription on how to stop this now, but I am encouraged with the latest voices of the Ulema (Muslim religious leaders) who call upon peace.

‘Utterly irresponsible’

I am very sorry that some politicians in the Muslim world accuse the U.S. government of having something to do with the movie. That is wrong, and I would like to send a message to those who listen, and especially to the Muslims of the Balkans, that it is utterly irresponsible to accuse the U.S. government for something which in the Western world is clearly seen as freedom of expression.

Mufti Efendi Ceric also said that he is supporting the idea of some ranking Muslim religious figures to speak out louder to try to explain to Muslim believers that this type of reaction, especially attacks against and killing of diplomats, is not according to Sharia law and not a proper response.

Audio (in Bosnian) of the interview with Bosnian Mufti Mustafa Efendi Ceric (5:12)

Middle East Voices

Middle East Voices is a unique social journalism project powered by Voice of America. The site, as a supplement to VOANews.com, is designed to present news, views and conversation to stimulate dialogue and understanding within, without and across man-made borders. On our platform, among other content, you will finds expert insights and community-submitted viewpoints on pressing political, economic, social and religious issues reshaping the Middle East and our world.