Mohammad Cartoons: White House Questions 'Judgment' Behind Charlie Hebdo Cartoons

The White House questioned the "judgment" behind the decision of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo to publish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad on Wednesday.

According to Reuters, White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters that while the Obama administration does not question the right to free speech in regards to the cartoons' stance, "we just question the judgment behind the decision to publish it."

"We know that these images will be deeply offensive to many and have the potential to be inflammatory. But we've spoken repeatedly about the importance of upholding the freedom of expression that is enshrined in our constitution," Carney added.

The French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad that referenced the recent controversy over the anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims."

The Associated Press reports that the French government defended Charlie Hebdo's right to publish the cartoons, but tightened security around some of its embassies and urged its citizens abroad to exercise caution.