Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Baghdad (Fides Service) - “It is possible guarantee security while respecting both the freedom of individuals and the principles of democracy” said Fr. Nizar Semaan, in Mosul northern Iraq, commenting discussion in Europe about the presence of people who preach violence in the name of Islam.
“In Arab countries the government exerts careful control on Friday sermons preached in mosques to make sure they are not violent. This does not happen in western democracies where justly there is proper freedom of expression. However it is necessary to guarantee respect for the right of expressing one’s views and to ensure security while making sure that young men are not misled by teachers who preach violence
“In Italy the law punishes racial hatred” Fr. Nizar said. “Could this law not be applied to preachers who incite to kill infidels?”.
“Many terrorists are middle class youngsters whose personal problems lead them to listen to radical preachers. Bombarded with words of hatred, their frustration turns into anger and hatred and they become victims sacrificed by the puppet masters of terror” he said.
“But Europe is morally stronger than the people who want to conquer it with violence. Terrorism can be overcome not with military force but with laws which combine respect for democratic freedoms and the need for collective security” Fr. Nizar concluded. (L. M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2005 righe 25 parole 292)
