You stand as the leader of a democratic society, which has promoted itself as a peace-loving member of the international community of nations, valuing the spirit of human coexistence. Yet, recently, both, you as the leader, and your country have failed the test.

Under the pretext of freedom of expression, you have allowed with impunity freedom of insolence, totally disregarding the fundamental requirement of harmony and peaceful coexistence. Mr. Prime Minister, allow me to quote to you an edict from the Quran, which is compelled upon Muslims in the chapter Al Ana'am verse 108. "Do not insult those who call upon gods other than Allah." This legal provision will prosecute any Muslim who abuses the religious sanctities of others. This is a divine proclamation that was revealed to the same Holy Prophet upon whose dignified head your 'freedom of expression' has drawn a time bomb and whose sacred faith you have made a mockery of. Now ponder this legal provision, which requires its adherents to coexist with others and compare it with the value system you proudly represent.

When the Taliban destroyed the statues of Buddha, I addressed to them a letter in another English language publication in the UAE condemning that atrocity based on this very Qur'anic edict 108. As a Muslim, and like you, also proud of my heritage, I was not only defending the sanctities of others, but also defending the very values of my heritage, which were violated by the Taliban's deed. Decency requires that we stand and be counted, perhaps more so, when one of our own commits a wrong. The Taliban did not represent my faith, I made that clear. However, your defense of your newspaper, and your refusal to apologise for its sacrilege, clearly indicates that it does represent your values.

Your defense has been based on the pretext of `freedom of expression'. Which 'freedom of expression' allow you to permit your subjects to transgress upon others? Is it 'freedom of expression' for me to permit my child to insult our neighbour? In many countries in Europe, this 'freedom of expression' pretext seems to be the basis on which all attacks on Islam are made. Yet, in Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, Switzerland and Holland, the law will prosecute and indeed throw in jail an individual who questions the Holocaust. It seems freedom of expression has its limits even in your part of the world. It is, however, unfortunate that these limitations do not include religious sensitivities.

We hope you also share that value and you are capable of the higher calling of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.