Al Jazeera ultimately retracted this claim, but the entire incident was illustrative of how the “Islamophobia” narrative is generally advanced: any action that is taken, and statement that is made, that is perceived to be in the slightest way opposed to the practice of Islam, including jihad violence, will result in the application of the “Islamophobia” label and the ruthless defamation of the person or group responsible. This takes place no matter how accurate the initial statement is, or how sensible the initial action is.
“Al Jazeera retracts op-ed claiming Tunisia closed mosques over Islamophobia, not Coronavirus,” by Sydney Smith, iMediaEthics, April 9, 2020 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):
Al Jazeera published and then unpublished an opinion article arguing Tunisia closed mosques because of Islamophobia, not coronavirus.
The March 30 article, “Tunisia has a problem with internalised Islamophobia,” has been deleted.
The article still is available, however, via the Internet Archive, showing Safa Belghith wrote, “While the importance of prevention measures and controlling the spread of the virus is not debatable, the choice to completely close down mosques while only partially closing cafes was met with dismay.”
In a March 31 editor’s note, Al Jazeera said:
“Al Jazeera has retracted this opinion piece, in which the author argued that Tunisia’s coronavirus measures, including closing the country’s mosques, were linked to Islamophobia. Given that the closing of all houses of worship has been vital to prevent the spread of the virus, Al Jazeera can no longer be a platform for the central argument of the op-ed.“…
Boromir's Horn says
On a side note off topic with apologies:
With obesity seeming to be the #1 underlying condition for coronovirus fatalities, maybe this should be named the slothvirus
DHazard says
This “internalized Islamophobia” was caused by the 7,000 or so Christians still living in Tunisia. That’s how fragile Islam really is. Just too much fiction.
Lilith Wept says
Because it really IS fragile. Is is such a mess of fabrications, lies, , threats , one man’s lust for power and revenge over people who criticized or mocked him, and stories that strain credibility that it can not stand up to any kind of criticism.
Any examination of Islam leads to Criticism….
Even Islamic clerics admit Islam lied it have survived if the “death for apostasy” penalty had been removed from the legal code.
So on top of all the things I listed about Islam is an religion that must threaten with death, all of its adherents in order to keep them!
When will we see Islam for what it is and act accordingly?
mortimer says
Tunisia has a long history of secularism. Many French-educated intellectuals there are not practicing Islam. A late president, Habib Bourguiba was “one of the most avowedly secularist political strategists in the Arab world”.
In July 2017, the Tunisian parliament passed the Law on Eliminating Violence Against Women, before there had been no specific law on domestic violence. The new law also includes provisions on harassment in public spaces and economic discrimination. It also abolished “marry-your-rapist law”.
Since September 2017, Tunisian Muslim women are allowed to marry non-Muslim men.
When Al-Jazeera complains about “internalized Islamophobia”, they must be referring to Tunisian secularism.
mortimer says
Al-Jazeera gave approval to SUPER-SPREADER mosques. Irresponsible.
gravenimage says
Tunisia closes mosques over coronavirus, Al Jazeera claims “Tunisia has a problem with internalised Islamophobia”
……………….
More proof that even Muslim nations are considered “insufficiently Islamic” if they show any sanity at all.
Clement Roger B says
Al Jazeera is the prime propaganda channel of the Muslim brotherhood,it’s mission is to sow confusion and spread discord in non muslim countries especially the west,to advance it’s interests.
Giacomo Latta says
”Given that the closing of all houses of worship has been vital to prevent the spread of the virus, Al Jazeera can no longer be a platform for the central argument of the op-ed.”
I much prefer the truth, namely:
”Given that we are so obsessed with our own propaganda machine that we can’t even bother to take the time to listen to ourselves speak and examine our own puke, Al Jazeera can no longer be a platform for the central argument of the op-ed.”