More heroism from the great Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who in a sane world would be Prime Minister of the Netherlands. From Reuters, with thanks to Klopsy:
BERLIN (Reuters) – A Dutch politician and self-styled Muslim dissident urged Europeans to stand firm on Thursday in an international crisis over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, saying it was “necessary and urgent” to criticise Islam.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali praised newspapers in many countries which have printed the cartoons, considered blasphemous by many Muslims, but said others had held back for fear of criticising what she called “intolerant aspects of Islam”.
“Today I am here to defend the right to offend within the bounds of the law,” she told a news conference organised by her publisher during a visit to Berlin.
“It’s necessary and it’s urgent to criticise Islam. It is urgent to criticise the teachings of Mohammad.”…
“Liberty does not come cheap. A few million euros is worth paying for the defence of free speech.”…
Hirsi Ali said critical reactions in Europe had highlighted the presence of “a considerable minority…who do not understand or will not accept the workings of liberal democracy.” Some Muslims had a tendency to “play the victim” and complain, without justification, that their religion was under attack.
She listed among her criticisms of Mohammad his teachings on gays, apostates, the subordination of women, the flogging and stoning of adulterers and the cutting-off of thieves’ hands.
Hirsi Ali said she intended to press ahead with a sequel to “Submission” which should appear at the end of this year.
Asked about the threats to her life, she said: “I have a reasonable fear, yes, I have protection. But I also will not allow myself to be put in a state of fear that will lead me to panic or to silence.“