Westergaard's Muhammad Cartoon Is Up For Sale
Currently, Kurt Westergaard remains in hiding from the Islamic militants that are out to kill him. The cartoon had sparked outrage once again as newspaper publishers across Denmark ran it on their papers once again in protest of the assassination attempt on Westergaard’s life.
Two Tunisians were arrested on allegations they were planning to kill Westergaard.
Westergaard explains that the cartoon was inspired by Islamic radicalism and the acts of terrorism that the extremists had carried out.
The cartoon of Muhammad with a bomb in his turban was circulated back in 2005 in newspapers from Jyllands-Posten. Westergaard is an employee of the newspaper publisher.
Afterwards, the results were not pretty at all. Over 100 people had died in the wake of the protests against the Muhammad drawing. Denmark’s embassies throughout the Middle East were raided and destroyed.
After hearing of the assassination attempt on Westergaard’s life, the cartoon was reprinted. Currently, Westergaard remains in hiding under police protection.
In the wake of the controversy and violence that followed after the original printing back in 2005 and reprinting three years later in 2008, Westergaard wants to sell off the original cartoon.
While it sounds good in theory, there are some factors. One factor is that the drawing is highly controversial. An auctioneer described the drawing as one that is too hot to touch.
While the original drawing could generate much money, the fears outweigh the profit that can be received. Auction houses seem less likely a plausible means because of the danger risks.
The next best thing could possibly be auctioning the original drawing online.
So far, a few interested buyers have stepped forth. One buyer is Denmark’s Royal Library. It wants to buy all of those drawings that have been deemed controversial.
Another one is a prisoner serving life for hijacking a plane in 1972. He offered a four-figure sum to Westergaard for the drawing.
Regardless of the dangers associated with selling the cartoon, it looks as if a few interested buyers have stepped forward. The main questions would be: Who will Westergaard sell the drawing to? How much would Westergaard receive?
Tags: Kurt Westergaard , Denmark , Copenhagen , Islam , Muhammad , Muhammad Drawing , Westergaard
