In Belgium, the presentation of a book on Islamism at school canceled after threats

Uconference canceled under pressure. Scheduled for this Saturday, November 16 at Fnac Woluwé, in Belgium, the presentation of the test Allah has nothing to do in my class. Survey on the loneliness of teachers facing the rise of Islamism was suspended after threats, reports Le Figaro. The authors, Jean-Pierre Martin and Laurence D'Hondt, were to discuss the impact of Islamism in schools.

The publisher and Fnac confirmed the cancellation without specifying the exact reasons. However, a police official told the Brussels weekly Bruzz that the decision had not been dictated by the authorities.

Growing censorship according to the authors

The essay by the two journalists denounces the growing pressure exerted, according to them, by Islamist movements in certain Belgian schools, where subjects such as biology, anatomy or the Shoah can no longer be discussed freely. Jean-Pierre Martin insists on questioning the fundamental values ​​of Western society, such as gender equality and freedom of expression, which are today contested in certain establishments.

After the cancellation of their conference, the two authors denounced the rise in censorship. Laurence D'Hondt insisted that these threats undermine freedom of expression, a fundamental right increasingly threatened by intolerance. Jean-Pierre Martin, for his part, stressed that those who seek to ban his book are trying to “muzzle” those who defend this essential principle.

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This event sparked strong reactions, particularly among Belgian political leaders. Alexia Bertrand, Open-VLD Minister, strongly condemned the threats: “Threatening authors is a new blow for our freedoms and freedom of expression. We must never tolerate this,” she wrote. She called on her colleagues to join her in defending this freedom in the face of intimidation.