Evening Buzz: Radical Islamic Website Warns 'South Park' Creators
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
A radical Muslim website is taking on the TV cartoon "South Park", after an episode that aired last week depicted the Prophet Mohammed dressed in a bear suit.
Those who run Revolutionmuslim.com, based in New York, issued a warning on the website on Sunday to the “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. "They will probably wind up like Theo van Gogh for airing this show. This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality of what will likely happen to them," the posting said.
Van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker, was stabbed to death on a street in Amsterdam by a Muslim extremist in 2004. He became the target of radical Muslims after releasing a short documentary depicting the oppression of Muslim women in Europe. Revolutionmuslim.com included a graphic photo of van Gogh at the time of his death in the posting.
Over the photo of van Gogh, Parker, Stone and others you hear the audio of a sermon by the radical U.S.-born preacher Anwar al-Awlaki, who is thought to be hiding in Yemen. The sermon, recorded some time ago, talks about assassinating those who have "defamed" the Prophet Mohammed.
Tonight on the program, Anderson will talk with Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She was working with van Gogh on the controversial movie that led to his assassination six year ago. Hear what she has to say about this latest controversy.
Also tonight, the son of actor Michael Douglas faces five years in prison for dealing methamphetamine and cocaine.
Cameron Douglas, 31, pleaded guilty to the charges in January. Before being sentencing today in a New York courtroom, his father and his stepmother Catherine Zeta-Jones wrote personal pleas to the judge asking for leniency and revealing the private pain of a famous family. We’ll have those details.
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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I have one word for the radical muslims in my country, Animals! I dare them to make that threat in my little town in Pa. believe me, we are ready...
Just as everyone has the right to free speech, everyone also has the right to react. It is unfair for people's religion to be used as humor. I agree with freedom of speech however it is important to be respectful of others' personal values. The creators of south park have continued to be distasteful in their publications and now are unfortunately facing consequences. They messed with the wrong group this time.
Why are these radical muslims aloud to walk our streets and threaten Americans without being thrown out of the USA?? What is wrong with this government? Take they're visa's, citizenships, etc. and burn them and ship them back to the land they belong!
I'm an atheist, I dont think that any religion should be having such an impact as these muslims are currently, Seriously, why are they here in new york? just chillin' with their genees and using our internet making plans for another attack?
If they have the right to rant & rave one the streets of New York about how all the white people are gonna get "messed up" for not believing, than the writers of South Park should be able to show whatever they want. That's the glory of freedom of speech in America.
Freedom of speech that allows them to say things about south park,also allows south park to make the shows they make are all american principles not principles of islam. That guy that was spouting off about the events of 9/11 and to terrorize non believers should shut up its people like that only tear us apart as a country and he should leave the innocent victims that died that day out of his hate speach. To codone acts of war against a country you are a citizen is treason, as far as I am concerned.
You don't see Jews or Christians blowing themselves up. If any extremist groups did so, people in both religions would come down on them immediately–and hard!
Islamists who try to tell us that not Islam is not a violent religion and that most Islamists are not violent are correct.
But these threats to the makers of Southpark have just been made and so far we haven't heard a peep from those Islamists who say this!
In fact, every time threats by Islamists like this are made, you can hear a pin drop on the airwaves. Mainstream Islamists, I urge you to publicly condemn these threats which are meant to intimidate and stifle our democracy!
I am not a South Park fan but felt like I must say something here. I am a Muslim living in U.S and it makes me very sad that these people " the radical Muslims", what they are doing to our religion. They should really go and live somewhere else. I, my family and friends feel threatened by what they these people are doing, a dis- service to a religion which teaches tolerence and acceptence of all faiths!! I am so sick of people with guise of religion and spreading hate!
I don't care for South Park either. but i defend their right to free speech. This is America, if it hurts the cry-baby muslims feelings to be talked about they should go home! Their attitude is rediculous. They come across as very arrogant, telling other people, True American, how to talk! Radical Muslims leave America!!! you are what give the rest of them a bad name. they are just like skin-heads , hate filled and ready to take it out on anybody for any reason, they're just looking for an excuse to do violence. and they wonder why they are racially profiled. i don't think ther're 'profiled' enough!!
The threat is appalling and freedom of speech should be honored, I cant believe people use religion as their basis for death threats, but in light of the treatment of muslims today after 9/11 due to acts of a few i could see why they see the cartoon as offensive, these cartoons further mainstream ignorance of what the Islamic religion, even though other religions are made fun of they are not constantly under attack today.
This is quiet possible one of the greatest and most eye opening segments i have ever seen on a news broadcast especially the Muslim cleric preaching the death of Americans
My jaw dropped while I was watching Anderson talk about South Park. I understand that some people can be offended by the show... so don't watch it. I applaud the creators of South Park for creatively representing free speech in a creative, ballsy, and humorous ways. I am a college student, and every Wednesday my friends and I watch South Park and it tends to stir up interest and conversation about what's happening in the world.
This is definitely a threat. Freedom of speech is important. Muhamad was not shown. If anything, the creators respected Islam by not showing him. I'm scared for the creators and the network. The threats must be taken seriously and South Park must be protected.
That looks like a great South Park episode. Revolutionmuslim guys's post is threatening. It's not vague it's specific, and as such infringes on South Park creators free speech.
It would be great if we could get international relations overall to be more peaceable. Somehow I think that would help.
They are really crazy radical Muslims. I think if you hate America... please leave. They should live in a country that is strong Muslim values. America provides these groups free speech, so that they can say what they want about others but other people can't. If you want to dish it be able to take it too.
This exposes the claim of muslims that Islam is a a peaceful religion. Where are the moderate muslims. Wil they stand up and defend freedom of speech and be a part of the world community, or will they be silent and thus be seen as a part of fundamentalist Islam which want to stifle free speech.
And they frickin' wonder why the hell they make fun of their religion? They're getting all whiny over a damned cartoon! Its ridiculous, and only makes me laugh!
Just as everyone has the right to free speech, everyone also has the right to react. It is unfair for people's religion to be used as humor. I agree with freedom of speech however it is important to be respectful of other's personal values. The creators of south park have continued to be distasteful in their publications and now are unfortunately facing consequences. They messed with the wrong group this time.
I find this hilarious. SO, they made fun of your religious figure. They did for Christianity as well. I don't see how that's different. and yet, they think they have the right to threaten people over it. All i have to say is shape up you hypocritical bastards. I'm no fan of south park myself, but they shouldn't have to censor themselves from a joke because some little piss ants might be offended and so threaten their lives.
I love the show south park, though honestly, it says stuff like this about every race, and every culture. Nobody else cares so why make such a big deal out of it. Plus, it's a little of an overreaction to flip out like this. I completely agree with Sadie Pepper, (other than the fact i love South Park) if they can't stand being bashed, go somewhere else. Really, it's like when your being bullied as a kid. If you hate it enough, you'll transfer to another school, but commiting suicide is just extreme. It's a horrible thing, and so is "warning" someone you'll kill them cause of something small they did. Ok, so really just take a chill pill.
This definitely sounds like a threat to me, first of all I think that they should be arrested for threatening and also for promoting terrorism, second I think that South Park should be very careful with what it says about Islam, because these radicals will "snap" for even the smallest insult; if these Islamic Radicals don't like the United States, then they should leave it, in my point of view, it's either love America, or leave it.
I think it's absolutely ridiculous that this group is acting like this. What they posted is clearly a threat. I understand they feel disrepected because their important religious figure was made fun of, but they don't have the right to threaten people's lives. I don't agree with religious figures being made fun of because it can be very offensive. At the same time, we have to accept that it's going ot happen. Religious figures and people in general will be made fun of. Yes, it's rude, but you can't dwell on it. Move on, and get over it. Life is too short for us to flip out over something small.
Any radical religious organization that promotes death for satire of their idol or God should not be allowed in a free democratic society. Radical muslins or are just the surface of a religion that indeed promotes abuse to women, validates violence against non-
Democracy can not exist without freedom of expression...
I cannot believe that we live in a country that is bowing to the threats and radical ideals of people who live in a nation that even protects them from being hurt. I am in support of freedom of speech, and yet this Islamic group feels that they are above the law, above reproach, and above morals that we as a society feel is written in the laws of this land. Once again, we taking the stance its ok for one group to write the laws, and not be held accountable for their violations of freedom. There is a land for which these people speak of, its call Iran, move there and improve the land there, not bring ours back down to the level of caveman.
I would like to know...if they don't like America then why don't they leave. It frustrates me that we as a country tolerate this form of disrespect.
They protect the Islamic website to protect free speech. Well, what happens when that free speech (the islamic website) goes on to threaten others'. What was said on the web site was a threat pure and simple and should not be tolerated.
this is a free country to a point! threats are against the law! if you dont like it change the channel or get the hell out of MY country!
Its sad/frustrating that these radicalist give the rest of Muslims a bad image. I am disgusted by the website and the warning and apologize on behalf of all Muslims. As for what Younis (I think that was his name) was saying that is not true there is no "command" to terroize anyone.
And for the radicals in NY, they are slamming South Park's and overall use of free speech and yet they themselves are utilizing the concept and act of free speech to pass on their message so itself loses it bases.
Instead of throwing more hatred out in the world and criticizing, if these people discussed or explained Islam more professionally the message might better be accepted!
freedom of speech is a good thing you don't hear it enough in america... if muslims are mad because the u.s. is stealing their oil they shouldn't direct their anger at trey parker and matt stone.
This is clearly a threat. Why are we allowing these radical groups right here in our own country? Send them back to Afghanistan, Irak, Pakistan or wherever they came from. Do the Muslins think they are about criticism? Disgusting!!!!!!
What I find odd about this, is that South Park aired an episode before 9-11 called "The Super Best Firends" where they actually showed Muhammad. My memory isn't perfect but I don't recall any action, threat, or warning taken against the show. At least none that was publicised.
I am disgusted by the comments made by the members of the website. As a Muslim woman (Muslim in my heart rather than on my appearance/no cover/no prayers, etc), I am often afraid and reluctant to answer the question "What is your religion?".
A few bad apples ruin the bunch. This hatred and terror should not be the characteristics associated with a truly peaceful religion. Interpretation is everything...and the radicals and extremists in the world have tainted and ruined an often beautiful solitude for millions across the world.
The guy says he hates america. he says he wants to live in a muslium society. why doesnt he leave and live in saudi arabia or another country that follows sharia law. america doesnt want him.
The only thing we have to fear...is fear itself....Don't believe the hype...
Good topic
If something offends you it offends you, period.
I have to wonder why if Radical Islamists hate America so much why they just don't LEAVE.
This is America and we make our rules...if they don;t like it here...then go back.
If any Christian were to stand on the streets in any islamic country and declare they were there to terrorize any non-christian believer they would be dragged through the street and beaten. The fact that these hijackers of the muslim religion are allowed to stand on the the streets of America and make the statements that they do makes me sick. Christian and muslims should unite and renounce such hate mongering.
It is amazing that we are intolerant of bullying among our young people but tolerate bullying among adults. Regardless of the wording, the notice is a threat and should be understood as nothing less than a threat.
Great report, CNN and Anderson!! If this is not a threat, I have never heard one!!!
The analyst you quoted is absolutely correct in stating–that these Islamic extremists are playing word games–i.e. making threats without stating them specifically enough to get arrested. Our government needs to come down on them like a jackhammer!
Also, if these Islamic extremists felt secure enough in their religious views, they wouldn't feel threatened by a cartoon.
Deport Muslim radicals out of the US to a islamic state of their choice. Lets wash our hands of this evil!
As an American Muslim, I have to say these people DO NOT represent Islam, Its because of these nuts that Muslims are feared, we're just like any other religion, the Quran DOES NOT say anywhere that terrorism is allowed this is CLEARLY false information and someone needs to educate this man.
South Park is brilliant...In many ways, Matt and Trey represent a generation of slackers....I support them 100%
Radical Islam's GOD is Satan!
I saw the episode. They never did show anything, but a bear.. big deal. There are worse problems in the world.
Wow, this is very hard very hard to watch, seeing Theo on AC360. Never thougth I will ever have to see this.
Go south park go. Freedom op speech
Thanks for doing this, Theo was a very outspoken person. After his murder The Netherlands changed for ever.. Lost it´s innocence
who cares it is a cartoon.
I hate South Park, but I love free speech. I applaud South Park for not caving in to political correctness and airing the show. If Muslims never want to be insulted or challenged about what they believe, they should find another country to live.
That warning sure sounds like a threat to me. I would think that law enforcement agencies could do something about "threats" issued over lines under the umbrella of the FCC. While they have the freedom of speech their right to that ends when it collides with the other person's rights.
Shame about Michael Douglas's son. Hope he can get some help; my thoughts are with him and his family. I know from experience in my extended family how rough a ride this can be.