More from the Brussels Journal on this story. It turns out that two Norwegian newspapers republished the cartoons last week, although one later removed them from its website following death threats. Other Norwegian newspaper editors have declined to follow the two newspapers’ example, claiming, the Brussels Journal reports, that it would be an “unnecessary provocation.”

And as to how “provocation” is defined, this is revealing:

“Magazinet [one of the two Norwegian newspapers that published the cartoons] also interviewed two leading Norwegian cartoonists: Finn Graff and Morten M. Kristiansen. Graff, who was known in the 1960s and ’70s for his satirical drawings of Jesus Christ, said that he does not draw pictures mocking Muhammad. He does so out of fear for Muslims, and also “out of respect.” Muslims, he said, are very sensitive about their religion and their prophet, which is something one has to take into account and one has to respect.”

And yes, poor Voltaire is spinning in his grave.

To cap it all, it is now alleged that the delegation of Danish Muslim organizations that has been touring the Islamic world to complain about the cartoons added three (grotesque) drawings to their portfolio that were, um, not published in any mainline Danish newspaper or, it appears, anywhere else.

“Akhmad Akkari, spokesman of the 21 Danish Muslim organizations which organized the tour, explained that the three drawings had been added to “give an insight in how hateful the atmosphere in Denmark is towards Muslims.” Akkari claimed he does not know the origin of the three pictures. He said they had been sent anonymously to Danish Muslims. However, when Ekstra Bladet asked if it could talk to these Muslims, Akkari refused to reveal their identity.”

Ah.