German opera company afraid of Muslim criticism.

yet another example of censorship in the face of muslim anger.


Germany opens major Islam summit

The German government is meeting Muslim community leaders amid a furore over the cancellation of a Mozart opera deemed offensive to Muslims.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5385058.stm

Germany's interior minister called the cancellation "unacceptable"

Germany's Islamic Council leader, Ali Kizilkaya, supported the cancellation, saying the Muhammad depiction could offend.

Deutsche Oper said "incalculable" security risks would be posed by staging Idomeneo.

"We know the consequences of the conflict over the (Muhammad) caricatures," the opera company said in a statement.

"We believe that needs to be taken very seriously and hope for your support."

Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, said the director had made the wrong decision to scrap the production.

"Our ideas about openness, tolerance and freedom must be lived out on the offensive," he told the Associated Press.

"Voluntary self-limitation gives those who fight against our values a confirmation in advance that we will not stand behind them."