Free expression continues to have repercussions for Danes

The new John Oliver special on Comedy Central has pictures of Jesus, Vishnu and Buddha, but a "picture not available" for Muhammed. The network, which has dealt with image of the prophet issues before, is playing it safe with not wanting to disrespect or aggravate Muslims.

At the same time, Danish officials are still feeling repercussions of a decision made by several newspapers on Feb. 13 to reprint a cartoon with an unflattering image of Muhammed. Danish intelligence has warned of an aggravated terrorism threat against Danes, particularly in countries with large Muslim populations.

South Park episodes on cartoons, Mormons re-running this week

As the Danish cartoons are controversial again, Comedy Central's irreverent South Park is rerunning the episodes Cartoon Wars 1 and 2 this week and next. In the episode, Americans fear Muslim reprisal for an episode of Family Guy in which there is a brief image of Muhammed. The boys try to stop Fox from airing the second part, but for personal reasons, not for concern for offending Muslims. The South Park Episode Guide can be found here. Comedy Central did not allow an image of Muhammed to appear in the episode, but there is one in the opening of each show.

Also re-airing this week is the "All About Mormons?" episode which has stereotypes of the church and an irrevent look at beliefs.

For discussion:

What can you say in a cartoon that you wouldn't in live action?

European papers reprint cartoon, cite free speech

Several Danish papers have reprinted the Kurt Westergaard cartoon depicting Muhammed wearing a bomb as a turban. The news story is here, as covered by the BBC.

The Lede, a blog on The New York Times web site, has a a good analysis of the decision as well as background and helpful links.

It is interesting to note that of the papers in the U.S. that decided to publish the cartoon, a majority are student newspapers at colleges and universities.

Cartoonist threatened in Denmark, protests expected over Dutch filmmaker's portrayal of Islam

CNN is reporting that two Tunisian immigrants and a Dane are accused of plotting to kill cartoonist Kurt Westergaard, who's cartoons depicting Muslim prophet Muhammed incited riots and complaints around the world two years ago. In a similar concern, Netherlands Radio is reporting that a film on Islam from conservative leader Geert Wilders has Dutch officials fearing repercussions similar to the ones for Westergaard's work.

The CNN article quotes a network source as saying that many Europeans are feeling wary about the influence of Islam in their countries.