Lawmaker Lodges Nobel Prize Nomination for Prophet Muhammad Cartoons Editor

A Norwegian parliamentarian considers the editor of Jyllands-Posten, the daily that published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in the past, an appropriate nominee for a Nobel Prize. According to the lawmaker, the journalist deserves the award for defending the freedom of expression.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Flemming Rose, the editor of Jyllands-Posten, the Danish newspaper that published satirical cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in the past, was nominated for a Nobel Prize, The Local reported.

The news outlet said that Norwegian parliamentarian Michael Tetzschner nominated Rose for the award.

"Giving the prize to a consistent defender of freedom of expression, even at a personal cost, would give a sign that those who try to muzzle that freedom through cowardly attacks against civilians, thus undermining peace between peoples, cannot ever succeed," Tetzschner was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

Although the official list of Nobel nominees is kept secret, those authorized to lodge nominations, including parliamentarians, Nobel winners and academics, can announce their choices publicly.

In 2005, Jyllands-Posten published cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad, becoming a target of terrorist threats after sparking protests among Muslims worldwide.

In 2006, the Danish newspaper's controversial cartoons were republished by French weekly Charlie Hebdo, whose Paris headquarters were attacked in early 2015.

After the January 7 attack on the French magazine, Jyllands-Posten is said to be the only Danish daily that has refrained from republishing recent Charlie Hebdo cartoons of Prophet Muhammad.