The Facts
On Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Council approved a resolution condemning any acts that incite religious hatred in the wake of a recent Quran-burning incident in Sweden.
Though it was opposed by the US and the EU, the OIC-submitted resolution calls on countries to take steps to "prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred that constitute an incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence."
The Spin
Narrative A
Allowing anti-Islamic actions under the pretext of freedom of speech and paying no heed to such offensive acts in the name of protest constitutes culpability. Turkey must continue to veto Sweden's bid to join NATO if it doesn't take preventive measures to stop the future desecration of the Quran or address domestic terrorism.
Narrative B
Freedom of speech is absolute. The government must not allow a handful of miscreants to damage the democratic world's social fabric or limit its people's civil liberties, including the right to protest. Countries, including Sweden, shouldn't change policies to restrict their citizens' rights or engage in sycophantic attempts to appease Muslim nations.
Narrative C
This resolution is designed to safeguard religious symbols rather than human rights and freedom of expression. While the burning of the Quran or any other holy book must be condemned as it contradicts the principles of tolerance and social peace, religious criticism does not constitute incitement to violence and discrimination.
