Self-censorship in Berlin - Artists and Religion

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Just in time for our debate the Deutsche Oper Berlin cancelled the performances of Mozart's 'Idomeneo' causing a huge row amongst politicians.
In the epilogue added to the original version, Idomeneo, King of Crete, was supposed to pull the heads of Poseidon, Jesus, Buddha and Mohammed out of a sack. Police advised the Deutsche Oper about potential disturbance due to the showing of Mohammed's head. They had no concrete evidence, though.

Many (eminent) German politicians criticised such self-censorship in "anticipatory obedience) (as one commentator wrote). As a consequence the Oper now plans to stage "Idomeneo" once a security concept is found.

The following links give an overview:

On another note, Madonna was mounting a cross in her concerts, but this will not be shown on NBC.

Despite the general conflict between freedom of speech and religion these examples seem to raise questions as to a potential different position regarding artistic freedom.

Should there be more freedom for artists than the general public?

Quote:

"A leader of the Turkish community in Germany - the country's largest Muslim group - Kenan Kolat was quoted as telling Bavarian radio: 'This is about art, not about politics. We should not make art dependent on religion - then we are back to the Middle Ages.'

The head of Germany's Islamic Council, Ali Kizilkaya, was quoted as telling Berlin's Radio Multikulti, that a depiction of the Prophet's severed head - 'could certainly offend Muslims,' and that cancelling the opera was the responsible thing to do. 'Nevertheless,' he continued, 'I think it is horrible that one has to be afraid... That is not the right way to open dialogue.'" (cf. here)

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