42% of French say cartoons that upset Muslims shouldn’t be published

While supporting the idea of freedom of expression, 42% of those quizzed in the Ifop poll for Le Journal du Dimanche said cartoons that made Muslims feel injured or threatened should be avoided.

However, a majority – 57% of those asked – said magazines and papers should be free to continue publishing cartoons whatever the reaction.

Traditional media was treated slightly more favourably than new media by those asked: 50% said there should be limits put on the freedom of expression on the internet, while 49% said there should be no restrictions.