Dismissal Sought In Prophet Cartoon Case (France)

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FRANCE_PROPHET_DRAWINGS?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME

Feb 8, 8:20 PM EST
Dismissal Sought in Prophet Cartoon Case

By PIERRE-ANTOINE SOUCHARD
Associated Press Writer

PARIS (AP) -- A state attorney Thursday called for the dismissal of a court case brought by French Muslims against a satirical weekly that printed caricatures of the Prophet Mohamed, saying the cartoons denounce terrorists' use of the Muslim faith but do not damage Islam.

The trial, which opened Wednesday, has drawn nationwide attention in a country with Europe's largest Muslim community and a strong commitment to freedom of expression and secularism.

Journalists and politicians have testified and Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy sent a letter of support for the weekly, Charlie-Hebdo.

The publication and its director, Philippe Val, are charged with "publicly abusing a group of people because of their religion." Val risks a six-month prison sentence and a fine of up to 28,500.