Last
updated: December 2006
Editor
suspended for printing ‘controversial’ cartoons
A
student newspaper editor was suspended earlier this month and thousands
of copies of his paper were recalled after it became the first in Britain
to publish one of the controversial cartoons satirising the prophet
Muhammad
Tom Wellington,
editor of Gair Rhydd the University of Cardiff student newspaper,
was suspended along with three other student journalists. The paper
was forced to recall copies after it reprinted one of the 12 cartoons
originally published in a Danish newspaper, which have resulted in Muslim
protests around the world.
Up until that point the British press had refrained from publishing
the cartoons, although many newspapers had linked to websites showing
them.
A University of Cardiff spokeswoman said, “The editorial team
enjoy the normal freedoms and independence associated with the press
in the UK, and are expected to exercise those freedoms with responsibility,
due care and judgment.”
“The students’ union very much regrets any upset caused
or disrespect shown by the publication of the controversial cartoon
and has taken immediate action by promptly withdrawing all copies of
this week’s edition of Gair Rhydd at the earliest moment possible,”
she added.
She said a ‘majority’ of the 10,000 copies printed had been
collected and would be shredded. Fewer than 200 copies of the edition
remain unaccounted for.
The paper, which won newspaper of the year at last year’s Guardian
Student Media Awards has a potential readership of 21,000.
Mr Wellington is said to be ‘devastated’ about his suspension.
Formed deputy editor James Anthony explained, “He’s been
suspended so he’s not allowed on university ground.”
“The turnaround on those papers is so quick that snap decisions
are made and when snap decisions are made, so are mistakes. It was pulled
as soon as possible.”
However, a university spokesperson said, “The students are only
suspended from the students union and they can still attend their academic
lessons.”
The papers decision to print the cartoons has been criticised by the
university and Muslim groups who say that the decision was ‘irresponsible’.
A spokesman for Federation of Student Islamic Societies in the UK &
Eire (Fosis) said, “This move was extremely irresponsible in the
current climate, and will serve to only heighten feelings of frustration
and emotion among Muslim students.”
“Having consulted with both the university and students’
union, we understand that some copies of the publication were distributed
before the students’ union withdrew all remaining copies from
circulation.”
“Fosis welcomes this move and the support shown by the university
over this issue. Fosis further welcomes the suspension of the editor
and associated staff.”
Unconfirmed reports stated that the students’ union was forced
to heighten security and close the paper’s offices fearing repercussions
from enraged Islamic groups.
Omar Arabi, the chairman of the Welsh council of Fosis condemned the
decision to print the images but appealed for restraint.
“It must be stressed that this irresponsible decision was taken
by a few individuals on the editorial board of the newspaper, and is
not representative of the diverse community that exists at Cardiff University.
The insensitive actions of a few individuals should not, and will not,
stop the atmosphere of respect and tolerance that exists at the university.”
“I have always been extremely proud to be associated with the
university, and will continue to be so. I urge all Muslim students to
remain calm and act responsibly when responding to the publication of
the cartoons,” he added.
Ashgar Ali, the chairman of Cardiff’s Medina mosque, criticised
the publication. “You can’t play with someone’s religion.
The Muslim students at the university are going to be upset. Pulling
it as soon as possible was the right thing to do,” he said.
The Islamic Society within the university was more diplomatic. “The
right to express ones opinion is a valued gift that should be exercised
responsibly but taking into account the beliefs of others should also
be respected,” they said.
They also called for a full apology form the paper and urged “Muslims
to act in a responsible manner when confronted with the issue.”
The university spokeswoman added, “Cardiff University is very
proud of its history as a campus where members of many faiths work,
study and socialise together in harmony.”
“The university and students’ union welcome students and
staff from all over the world and with more than 3000 international
students currently studying at Cardiff the university has a unique multi-cultural
environment.”
An internal investigation is being held by the university.
