Egyptian star challenges Macron’s defense of free speech in France

Egyptian actor and director Mohammad Sobhi has cast doubt on French President Emmanuel Macron’s justification of the publication of blasphemous cartoons of Islam's Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] as a freedom of expression, challenging him to allow an anti-Israel series to be aired in France under the same principle.

Last month, Macron attacked Islam and encouraged blasphemous cartoons of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] in remarks that sparked anger in the Muslim world and prompted calls for the boycott of French products.

His remarks came after French history teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded by a Chechen teenager on October 16 after showing his students the offensive caricatures published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The teen was shot dead by police soon after the murder.

Macron described the teacher as a “quiet hero”, and pledged his country would not “give up cartoons” depicting Prophet Muhammad [PBUH].

In reaction to Macron’s remarks, Sobhi said he is ready to present a copy of his series ‘Cavalier Without A Steed’ to Macron to be aired in France, “on condition that he does not accuse me of anti-Semitism, and that he considers it as a freedom of expression just like the offensive drawings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]”.

“Zionism is not a religion. It is a scheme for ruling the world,” the Egyptian star said.

‘Cavalier Without A Steed’ is a historical series based on events occurred during the British occupation of Egypt.

The show also addresses the Israeli-Arab conflict and 1905 book “the Protocols of the Elders of Zion”, which revealed Israel’s expansionist ambitions in the region.

The series, which aired in 2002, sparked the anger of Israel back then as it considered the show as anti-Semitic and tried to stop its broadcast.

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SQ/MG