French divided on whether to have limited freedom of expression: poll

French are almost equally divided on whether to have limited freedom of expression after the deadly attack at the headquarters of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo nearly two weeks ago.

According to the result of a recent poll, conducted by the French Institute of Public Opinion and published by the newspaper Le Figaro on Sunday, half of the 1,003 French respondents are in favor of "limiting freedom of expression on the Internet and social media", against 49 percent who are not in favor and 1 percent undecided.

When respondents were reminded that "some Muslims feel attacked or injured by the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad", about 42 percent of the French think it is necessary to avoid publishing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, while 57 percent of the French said "these reactions should not be taken account of and publication of such caricatures should continue."

The result of the poll has, to some extent, reflected the stance of many French after the deadly attack that shocked the world.

The magazine, which used to sell about 30,000 copies each edition, has printed 7 million copies of its latest edition in Arabic, English, Spanish and French, with its cover showing the cartoon figure of Prophet Muhammad weeping and holding a sign "I am Charlie".

The new cover has angered many Muslims worldwide. Riots and demonstrations are breaking out in many Muslim countries against the magazine, especially in West Africa and the Middle East. Some of the protests have turned into violence against French.

In Dakar, capital city of Senegal, people took to the street bearing banners saying "I am not Charlie. I am Muhammad". In Niger, local residents attacked a French Culture Center and burnt French flags to protest against the caricature.

French President Francois Hollande reiterated on Saturday to the countries, which protested against the cartoon of Prophet Muhammad on Charlie Hebdo's new cover, that "France has principles and values, and it is particularly freedom of expression."

Some analysts believe after the attacks in Paris, Muslims in France may find it more difficult to integrate themselves into the local society. France has the largest Muslim community in Europe. It is now home to about 5 million Muslims.

According to another poll published in newspaper Le Figaro on Friday, 40 percent of the French polled think the presence of a Muslim community in France is "rather a threat" to the identity of France.

To increase trust between Muslims and other European residents, state and government leaders as well as religious institutions have voiced their support for a more harmonious society.

Prior to the publication of Charlie Hebdo's latest edition, Muslim leaders in France urged Muslim community to keep calm.

During his visit to the Arab World Institute in Paris, Hollande said "the French Muslims have the same rights and the same duties as all citizens," adding that "the French Muslims must be protected, respected, as they themselves must respect the Republic," media reported. Enditem