Danish Union of Journalists can not oppose editori

The Danish Union of Journalists and the twelve cartoonists have decided not to take legal action against the many media which have reproduced the cartoons without permission, and to state clearly that the cartoons in dispute may also be reproduced in the future for editorial purposes in news and current affairs media in Denmark and abroad. But the Danish Union emphasize that the Union do not recommend further editorial use.

“In a discussion with the cartoonists, we have decided that we cannot prevent serious media which apply for relevant editorial use of the disputed Mohammed cartoons to do so,” says Mogens Blicher Bjerregård, chairman of the Danish Union of Journalists.

“After various international news media have published the twelve cartoons, it is important for us to clearly state the context in which the cartoons can be used. And this must be in a respectful and serious editorial context,” says Mogens Bjerregård. “The cartoonists’ attitude is that if other media publish the cartoons, it is important that the original concept and context of the cartoons is communicated correctly.”

The Danish Union of Journalists and the cartoonists have thus prepared a set of concrete guidelines for use of the cartoons.

All media wishing to use one or more of the twelve cartoons must pay a fee for this use to the special cartoonists’ fund set up for the purpose. “It is important for us and the cartoonists to emphasise that all use of the cartoons must be paid for,” says Mogens Blicher Bjerregård.

“When we do not oppose permit relevant editorial use of the twelve cartoons, we also draw attention to the fact that the Danish Union of Journalists and the cartoonists do not allow use of the cartoons which goes beyond that specified in the guidelines,” says Mogens Blicher Bjerregård, adding that the response to any such use will be legal action.

The Union is not able to provide the media with copies of the actual cartoons for reproduction.

Guidelines for use of the twelve Mohammed cartoons.