The Nobel Peace Prize winning activist, Tawakkol Karman, welcomed the French president's retreat from his statements accusing Islam and Muslims of terrorism, and his support for the cartoons offensive to the Prophet Muhammad.

“Macron has finally retracted from accusing Islam and Muslims of terrorism, and from his support for the cartoons insulting the great Prophet of Islam, peace be upon him,” wrote Tawakkol Karman on social media. 

Mrs. Karman added: “He (Macron) said that Islam is a great religion and Muslims are not terrorists, but victims of terrorism. Well he did. It is true that it has to do with freedom of expression, but it is also true that politicians, state officials and all people of human conscience and advocates of peace, coexistence, civilization and enlightenment must reject everything that incites and fuel hatred and intolerance.”

Karman concluded by indicating that the offense does not reflect the French society, but rather those behind it.