On 3 February 2010 the paper published a news story on a facebook page belonging to the Norwegian Police Intelligence Services, which contained links, posted by external users, to web pages containing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed. Although the story intended to criticize the intelligence services’ facebook page, the use of the caricatures will be perceived as yet another needless provocation.
NCA encourages greater sensitivity in the use of these caricatures not out of fear, but out of respect for each other. When debating in the public sphere, we would like to see participants employ a more constructive and dignified approach. Rather than focusing solely on the freedoms and rights we enjoy as equals, we should be able to express mutual respect and uphold each others dignity when we approach what is considered dear and sacred to people.