Maori Party says cartoons no joke

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia.

The Maori Party says it fails to see anything funny about the controversial Muhammad cartoons.

Co-leader Tariana Turia is the latest to condemn the caricatures, saying their publication not only infuriates the Muslim community but is an outrageous attack on efforts to create unity in New Zealand.

She said the "freedom of speech" argument does not wash with her and she questioned why people publish something knowing it will hurt others.

Mrs Turia said some standards of decency need to be established to prevent such cultural offence.

- NEWSTALK ZB