Iran paper under fire for Charlie Hebdo cover
An Iranian newspaper faces criticism for publishing a picture of actor George Clooney and a headline supporting French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Iranian officials and most Iranian media outlets have condemned the attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo by Muslim extremists in which twelve people were killed. However, most officials have also condemned the magazine for publishing images that they consider insulting to the Prophet Muhammad.
A Reformist newspaper in Iran appears to have gone too far in its support of the global and viral “Je suis Charlie” campaign to show solidarity with the magazine — and not far enough in its condemnation of Charlie Hebdo for insulting the prophet of Islam.
On Jan. 13, Mardom-e Emrooz' front page featured a full-page image of actor George Clooney standing with a Golden Globe award with a “Je suis Charle” ("I am Charlie") pin on his jacket. The top headline read, “Clooney: I am also Charlie.” The paper also published Clooney’s comments that millions in Paris “marched in support of the idea that we will not walk in fear. Je suis Charlie.”
