Germany: Terrorist Firebomb Attack on Newspaper for Cartoons

German and European media are reporting on a new terrorist attack against our universal human rights of freedom of speech. This latest attack was against the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper in Hamburg, Germany, which last week had republished some of the cartoons from the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. The terrorist attack happened in the very early Sunday morning hours on January 11, 2015, with an “incendiary device” thrown into the building as well rocks smashing basement windows of the building. It is reported that this was believed to be a “Molotov cocktail.” Newspaper files have been burned, but reportedly no one was harmed.

Acccording to the Hamburger Morgenpost, “two men (35 and 39) had behaved suspiciously in the area , have been arrested , according to police.” The Morgenpost also reports that “‘There is no knowledge, no claim of responsibility or other evidence,’ police spokeswoman Karina Sadowsky said this morning.” They are seeking those with information to contact the police in Hamburg, Germany at: 42 865 67 89. We must stand with the Hamburger Morgenpost in defense of our shared universal human rights.

Germany: Terror Firebomb Attack on Hamburger Morgenpost - after publishing Charlie Hebdo cartoons - charred remains of German newspaper stock - (Source: Marius Röer)
Germany - Terror Firebomb of Hamburger Morgenpost Newspaper (Source: Twitter)

The terrorist campaign against a free press, free speech, and our universal human rights must never be allowed to win.  We must continue to defy such terrorists and their extremist ideologies which reject our shared universal human rights.

We call for all of our fellow human beings to defy such hate and violence, and be responsible for equality and liberty.

Malaysia: Three on Trial Over Firebombing of Christian Church

Asia news media are reporting on the trial of three individuals involved with the firebombing of a Christian church.

Channel News Asia reports that the trial began on July 6 at the Kuala Lumpar sessions court, and the three men were charged with firebombing the Metro Tabernacle church in January 2010.  It states that the three men on trial are Raja Muhd Faizal and Raja Muhd Idzham, and Azuwan Sahah Ahmad, and that they have been charged under “436 of the Penal Code for causing mischief with fire.”  Catholic Culture and Vatican News are also reporting on this story.  The Vatican News states “Fr Lawrence Andrew, Editor of the Catholic weekly Herald, believes that the men on trial did not act alone.”

A Kuala Lumpur police officer inspects the damage to the Metro Tabernacle Church which was destroyed by a fire bomb in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Desa Melawati,08 Jan 2010 (Photo AP)
A Kuala Lumpur police officer inspects the damage to the Metro Tabernacle Church which was destroyed by a fire bomb in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Desa Melawati,08 Jan 2010 (Photo AP)

See Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)’s January 8, 2010 posting on the initial church firebombings “Malaysian Churchs Firebombed,” as well as follow-up reports on attacks on Malaysia houses of worship, and other posts on Malaysia.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights, including Article 18 freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience — for all people – everywhere.  Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”  We support religious pluralism and tolerance around the world.

R.E.A.L. urges all people to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.