JEDDAH, 28 February 2008 — E-mails and text messages calling for the boycott of Danish products have been circulating this week in the Kingdom following the decision this month by 17 Danish newspapers to republish defamatory cartoons about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The cartoons — first published in a Danish newspaper in 2006 — caused outrage across the Muslim world, sparking a boycott of Danish products, which, according to various media sources, led to economic losses of over $1 billion.
Danish newspapers republished the cartoons in support of one of the men who drew the cartoons and who escaped an assassination attempt earlier this year. Calls for a new boycott are also being made on the Internet’s popular networking website, Facebook. Over 20 local and international groups have formed calling for a boycott.
In a move that is thought to escalate tensions, Wolfgang Schauble, German interior minister, yesterday expressed respect for the Danish newspapers’ decision to reprint the controversial cartoons and suggested that all European newspapers should follow suit.
A survey made by the Arab News revealed that people have slowly begun to react against the publication of the cartoons. Unlike the first boycott, grocery shops and supermarkets have so far not hung signs saying they do not sell Danish products.
Ahmad Awad, manager of the Al-Manar supermarket, said that since last week some people have begun to ask about Danish goods.
“Following the last boycott, we have started to slowly bring back Danish products,” he said.
Awad, who did not know of the reprinting of the cartoons, said, “If it is true, then we would certainly stop selling products from any country that have published the cartoons.”
Hatim Misfir, a government official, said that it is a matter of misunderstanding between cultures. “I appreciate freedom of press and expression as long as it respects the beliefs and feelings of others,” he said, adding that the situation may escalate, especially following the German minister’s comments.
“European governments should assess the situation rationally. Is it worth the bother to create such political and economical disturbance just to prove that they have freedom of expression?” Misfir pointed out.
Salman Al-Harthi, business development manager of a private company, said that the situation is very delicate and unpredictable. “We don’t know what the public response would be if all European publications reprint the cartoons,” he said.
Many consumer products in the Kingdom are imported, often from Europe, he said, adding that there is an urgent need to clarify the situation and hold meetings — on a governmental, economic and social scale — to widen the bridges between the East and West.
