The International Symposium on media coverage of religious symbols, in the light of international law, started its activities here today. The Kingdom is participating in the forum, with representatives from 16 European countries, a number of international organizations, led by UNESCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Association of Islamic universities. Addressing the opening ceremony of the Symposium, Sheikh Abdul Majeed Al-Omari, the Director-General for External Relations, at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, stressed that the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in activities of this Symposium, fall in line with its efforts to support the principles of justice, humanity, promotion of values and the principles of tolerance in the world as well as to emphasize the importance of respecting religions and religious symbols, not to offend them. The Kingom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed, for several years ago, that the international community has, urgently, to confront the phenomenon of violence, ethnic, religious and cultural intolerance which have become widespread, in all communities and peoples, he added. We have made it clear that the freedom of expression without limits or restrictions, would lead to the violation and abuses of the religious and ideological rights, he said. This requires everyone to intensify efforts to criminalize insulting heavenly religions, prophets, holy books, religious symbols and places of worship, pointing out that such abuses has led to feeding intolerance, extremism and violation of the rights of others, in the light of the growing phenomenon of defamation of religions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also has called before the International bodies and the UN Human Rights to take the necessary measures to criminalize all acts of defamation of religions and discrimination based on religion, he concluded.
