French President Supports The Publishing Of Cartoon Prophet Muhammad Charlie Hebdo

French President Emmanuel Macron (Twitter / @ emmanuelmacron)

JAKARTA - The satire magazine Charlie Hebdo has re-published the controversial cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad. This time the publication of cartoons received open support from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Charlie Hebdo's reissue of the cartoon coincided with the night of the trial of the suspect who attacked their office in 2015, the same year the cartoon was published. At that time, gunmen attack killed 12 people.

The intention to republish this cartoon has actually been tried many times. However, the plan was canceled because the law did not allow it. The chief editor of the satire magazine said, "We always refuse to do it."

"Not because it is prohibited. The law allows us to do it. But, because there is a need for a good reason to do it, reasons that have meaning and bring something to the debate," he added.

Historically, the weekly magazine based in Paris was founded in 1970. Charlie Hebdo is famous for his risky cartoons and courage to mock politicians, famous figures and symbols of all religions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed a position. He said Charlie Hebdo's decision to republish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad was a free press. Things that Macron said he wouldn't interfere with.

"The president has never and will not interfere to give an assessment of the editorial choice of journalists or newsrooms. Never. Because we have press freedom," said Macron, quoted by CNA, Wednesday, September 2.

Even so, Macron, speaking during his visit to Lebanon, appealed to all French people to respect each other. He invited the French people to show respect and politeness to each other and avoid hate speech.