Philippines Supreme Court bans the showing of ‘Innocence of Muslims’
Just a day after hundreds of Filipino-Muslims protested outside the US Embassy in Manila calling for a ban on the controversial anti-Islam film saying, “Freedom of religion prevails over freedom of expression”, the Philippines Supreme Court agreed in a ruling banning the public showing of the film based on “infringement of religious rights”, according to an Inquirer News report Sept. 25.
The Supreme Court banned the public showing of the controversial 14-minute film
Credits: YouTube Screen Shot
The Court ordered the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to bar any public showing of the American-produced film that ridicules the Prophet Muhammad and has triggered Muslim protests in many countries, including the Philippines.
The Supreme Court did not go so far as to petition YouTube to block the film in the country.
Representatives from the Bangsamoro Nation petitioned the court arguing the clip is an “invasion of constitutional guarantee of free exercise of religion and to practice religion without fear or hatred.”
Protesters yesterday outside the US Embassy said it’s a double standard for America not to ask for an internet ban on the anti-Islamic film.
They also criticize President Aquino saying he’s giving priority to “freedom of expression” over reconciliation between Muslims and Christians in the country.
All this comes less than a week after UP Diliman law professor; Harry Roque defied the school Chancellor and showed the film to a law class.
