Macron Says He Understands Muslim Feelings on Prophet Image
- ‘I understand one can be shocked by cartoons,’ Macron says
- Interview comes amid protests in several Muslim countries
This article is for subscribers only.
French President Emmanuel Macron told Al-Jazeera Saturday he understood Muslim anger at cartoons of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad but violence was unacceptable and he’d defend his nation’s freedoms. He spoke as France faced terrorist attacks at home and boycott calls in Muslim countries.
Macron’s interview with the Arab broadcaster came days after a Tunisian migrant killed three people at a southern French church. The president told Al-Jazeera he wanted to clear misconceptions about his role and fiercely secular country, where public displays of Islam, such as halal sections in grocery stores, have become a flash point.