Artistic freedom: victim of fanatics

In the past week, the debate over artistic freedom and sensibilities has once again reached a crescendo. First came the news of noted painter MF Husain accepting Qatar citizenship after he was hounded out for India and now Taslima Nasreen has disowned an anti-burqa article that led to violent protests and two deaths in Karnataka.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has also reached out to Husain promising the artist top security if he returns home.

Muslim groups have staged violent protests in Karnataka in which two people have died and a property worth crores damaged.

The article was published on Sunday morning; the violence began on Monday afternoon leading to fears of a political hand in the so called spontaneous Muslim protests.

Face the Nation debated: Taslima Nasreen attacked: Does religious sentiment override freedom of expression?

Also See

• Nasreen regrets violence, denies writing article
• Mangalore office of Kannada Prabha burnt down

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