The Danish cartoon controversy

The Danish cartoon controversy centered around the publication of 12 editorial cartoons in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in 2005, which depicted the Prophet Muhammad. As Islam forbids visual representations of Muhammad, many Muslims found the cartoons offensive and blasphemous. The publication sparked global protests, violence, and debates over freedom of expression versus religious respect. The controversy highlighted tensions between free speech rights in Western societies and sensitivities within religious communities, leading to ongoing discussions about how to balance these principles in a multicultural world.