22 February 2006
Mr Rick Friesen
Chief Operating Officer
CanWest TV Works
Private Bag 92624
Symonds Street
Auckland
(Fax : 09-382 9543)
Dear Mr Friesen,
South Park episode: Bloody Mary
Muslim New Zealanders are deeply disappointed at the decision of your network to screen the "Bloody Mary" episode of South Park tonight.
We stand with our Catholic friends in protesting against the decision itself and also the contemptuous manner in which the screening has been brought forward.
Like Catholics and the wider Christian family, Muslim New Zealanders will be shocked and deeply offended by the portrayal of Mary, mother of Jesus (peace be upon them both) in such a tasteless manner.
We consider Mary (peace be upon her) to be an example of a perfect human being, so this cartoon demeans not just her person and the beliefs of those who revere her, but also humanity itself
New Zealanders of many faiths, including Catholics and the wider Christian family, deplored the decision of some print media to republish offensive caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). On 8 February, you and I participated in a meeting between media and religious representatives to discuss issues that this raised.
The meeting affirmed the importance of freedom of the media and that this freedom comes with responsibilities, including sensitivity to diverse cultures and beliefs. Therefore yesterday's announcement leaves us in grave doubt about the sincerity of your commitment.
We live in hope that you will stand by your word and your network will yet rise to the standard of integrity we expect from the media.
Yours sincerely
Javed Khan
President
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