Muslim Protests Show the Limits of Free Speech
The anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims” has sparked protests across the Muslim world. Several people have already died in the wave of violence. The conflict raises questions about how far the West is prepared to go in defending freedom of expression. By SPIEGEL Staff
The casting call appeared on a Hollywood audition website called mooncasting.com. A director calling himself Alan Roberts wrote that he was looking for actors to perform in a “historical desert drama.” The shoot in Los Angeles would last 18 days. The supposed “indie film” was listed under the working title “Desert Warrior.”
The director needed “various Middle Eastern types, bearded,” along with a large number of women, particularly an 18-year-old actress who “must look younger, petite, innocent.” And, of course, he was looking for someone to play the lead role: “George,” as the Middle Eastern warrior in the film was to be called, was a “leader, romantic, charismatic.”
Since last Tuesday, a nearly 14-minute trailer of this trash film posted on YouTube has sent shockwaves around the world. In the final version of the film, “George” became the Prophet Muhammad. The young actress became a child who was bedded by the film version of Muhammad — as were a number of the other women. A donkey even plays a role. And the bearded men in the supporting roles mimic Muhammad’s faithful followers, who torture and massacre people in the film until Hollywood blood drips from their swords. The name of the film is “Innocence of Muslims.” It’s a cynical title that is full of mockery and scorn — and a blatant provocation.