Belgian Muslim body regrets anti-Islam film, urges calm

The Muslim Executive of Belgium (MEB) Monday expressed deep regret over the distribution of the anti-Islam film "The innocence of Muslims," leading to outrage in the world. "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in a democracy, but it must be exercised wisely, avoiding unnecessary provocation and incitement to hatred towards others," said the MEB which is the official body on religious issues of Muslims in Belgium. "While we can understand that some people are hurt by the abusive and profane film, this does not justify any acts of violence and threats to human life that followed," said MEB President Semsettin Ugurlu. Also, the EMB called on all Belgian Muslims to remain calm and not to respond to such provocation. "Violence begets violence and undermines efforts by people of goodwill who work for peace and dialogue between peoples and cultures," it noted. Meanwhile, police in the city of Antwerp arrested 230 people during a protest against the anti Islam movie on Saturday. An estimated 450,000 Muslims mainly from North Africa and Turkey live in Belgium which has a population of 10 millions.