An editorial in the New York Times contradicted stated policy by the newspaper not to show cartoons mocking Islam, out of concern that it would offend members of the faith.
The Thursday editorial was a response to a bloody attack on the staff of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical French magazine known for producing cartoons that poked fun at religion, especially Islam.
“There are some who will say that Charlie Hebdo tempted the ire of Islamists one too many times, as if coldblooded murder is the price to pay for putting out a magazine,” said the Times editorial. “The massacre was motivated by hate. It is absurd to suggest that the way to avoid terrorist attacks is to let the terrorists dictate standards in a democracy.”
The Times itself, however, said Wednesday that “after careful consideration,” it would not be reproducing any of the cartoons created by Charlie Hebdo, despite their news value. Instead, the paper would only describe the cartoons in its news reports.
Other outlets, including CNN and the Associated Press, have also decided not to publish any imagery of the cartoons.
