Violent protests unacceptable - Carmichael

12.00.00am GMT Mon 6th Feb 2006

Alistair Carmichael MP, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman, today condemned the violent reactions to cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed, and urged the Crown Prosecution Service to investigate to see if prosecutions for incitement to violence are possible as a result of Friday's demonstration in London.

Alistair Carmichael MP said "The actions of those demonstrators in London who openly called for acts of murder and terrorism are contemptible. While there may have been good reasons for not making arrests on the day, the Crown Prosecution Service must now investigate the possibility of bringing these individuals to court.

"In a society where people of different faiths and none live side by side, we must all think about the impact of our words and actions. The European newspapers which republished these cartoons were acting within their rights, but were not acting with good judgment.

"However, we cannot have a situation where religions are exempt from criticism. A media which is free from censorship and state control allows for the frank exchange of views. Where offence is taken, individuals and groups have the right to make their feelings heard.

"The solution is not censorship, or violence, but competing speech."