As Nina noted below, the U.S. embassy in Egypt issued a statement today forswearing free speech in favor of religious sensitivity. The embassy’s staff also took to Twitter:
We condemn the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims
— US Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) September 11, 2012
And, for good measure, whoever is manning the embassy’s Twitter account got involved in an argument with another user, who, judging by his timeline, holds some pretty ignorant and appalling views on the events of September 11, 2001. (Hint: They involve Jews.)
According to USA Today:
The Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gomaa strongly condemned the movie, AllAfrica.com reports.
“Freedom of speech does not warrant desecrating sanctities,” Gomaa said in a statement Sunday.
If by “desecrating,” he means “making a movie,” then actually it does. It is this principle that the U.S. embassy is there to defend — on today of all days.