Muslim body condemns Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest

By Mustapha Dalaa and Safiye Karabacak

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday strongly condemned a Prophet Muhammad cartoon competition to be held by Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders.

In a statement, OIC Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen called it a “provocative” move, which would sow seeds of hate among different religious groups.

“Freedom of speech does not mean hurting someone's feelings…,” Al-Othaimeen said, voicing concern over the event.

Last month, Wilders' Freedom Party announced its plans to hold a cartoon competition depicting Prophet Muhammad at the party’s parliamentary offices.

The anti-Islam party had previously called for the Quran to be banned.