One of the major and conflict-resolving steps was the decision of a US appeals court to remove anti-Islam film from Youtube. The court ordered the Google Inc to remove the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ from its video-sharing website, Youtube. A panel of the US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Google’s assertion that the removal of the film amounted to a prior restraint of speech that violated the constitution.

The film was posted in 2012 after which it sparked protests across the Muslim world. In some countries, especially Pakistan, Egypt and Libya, the protests went violent; resulting in the death of dozens of protestors and millions worth of property was set on fire. American and other foreign embassies were also stormed in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Google had refused to remove the film from Youtube, despite pressure from the White House and others. As a result, Youtube was banned in a number of Muslim countries including Afghanistan, which was later on lifted up after the tensions and public anger normalized.

This essential and correct step has been taken a bit late and if the same action could have been taken on time, a lot of lives and property could have been saved. No doubt, present day democracies believe and practice the freedom of speech but such a freedom should not deprive others of their freedom. In the said short film, the Holy Prophet of Muslims had been portrayed in an insulting manner and this was the direct violation of international laws of respecting religion and religious elements. This film resulted not only in the saddening of millions of Muslim hearts but also expanded the mental and ideological gap between Muslims and the West.

At the same time, it also depicted the need of firm constitutional laws so that no religious figure of any religion should be insulted and there should be equal respect and honor for all, without any discrimination of religion and faith. Just like other religions, Muslims also have close association with their religious figures and this sensitivity should be dealt nicely while one is making or writing something in this regard. Instead of exploiting this sensitivity of Muslims to spread violence in the world, due respect and honor should be accepted and granted for all. This is the only way of mutual co-existence and this is the actual meaning of freedom of speech as well.