Canada: Muslim newspaper launched

By TODD SAELHOF, CALGARY SUN

Canada now has a national Muslim newspaper thanks to an enterprising Calgarian.

Syed Soharwardy, publisher of the Muslim Free Press, said yesterday the twice-monthly periodical is intended for all Canadians.

"Because it's called the Muslim Free Press, it does not mean it is for Muslims only," said Soharwardy.

The paper's editorial board is made up of people of all faiths, including Calgary editor and non-Muslim Debra Wright.

"This is not a religious newspaper -- we will be discussing Canadian issues."

The 24-page paper, funded with private money, hit the streets Saturday in Toronto and arrived here yesterday.

By week's end, it will also be available in Montreal and Vancouver, with Soharwardy's vision to blanket the entire country, including rural areas.

The paper was born earlier than expected.

Soharwardy admitted the 6,000-copy debut hit the presses earlier than he envisioned because of cartoons of Islam's Prophet Muhammad that sparked riots.

"The cartoon controversy motivated me to start it now -- or maybe it will never be done," said Soharwardy, vehemently condemning violent acts committed in the name of Islam.

"The newspaper will provide Muslim perspective on issues, and we will advocate the cause of Canadian Muslims.

"But we will never do what some newspapers have done to us -- we would never insult any religion or religious symbols."

The newspaper is available at the Almadinah Calgary Islamic Centre, 5700 Falsbridge Dr.

URL: http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2006/04/19/1540062-sun.html