A prominent Muslim politician has called for tolerance after French magazine Charlie Hebdo printed a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad on its front cover.

Glasgow councillor Soryia Siddique said minority communities must "begin a debate" about freedom of expression.

Masked gunmen armed with assault rifles killed 12 people at Charlie Hebdo's offices in Paris on January 7.

The satirical magazine had previously been firebombed by terrorists after it lampooned Islam's Prophet in controversial cartoons.

Many Muslims see any depiction of the Prophet Muhammad as offensive.

The cover of Charlie Hebdo's latest edition features a cartoon of the Prophet weeping while holding a sign saying "Je Susis Charlie", a slogan used by supporters of the magazine.

The publication of the image sparked violent protests by Muslims in Niger, with demonstrations also held in Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, Algeria, Jordan and the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

Councillor Siddique said: "The recent printing of the front cover can be viewed as a freedom of expression within the laws of the land.

"It is possibly a time for minority communities to begin a debate around freedom of expression tolerance and respect within the political and legal framework."

The Labour politician also condemned the actions of the gunmen who attacked Charlie Hebdo's offices.

She said: "The tragic scenes in Paris were an inexcusable terrifying attack on human life. The fragile boundary which accepts free speech, dignity and respect became magnified.

"The heroic actions of the Muslim police officer who died protecting Charlie Hebdo - his fellow citizens' right of expression - showed that Muslims and Islam is also the victim of extreme actions.

"These actions of a minority do not define the majority of Muslims who were equally horrified at the horrific loss of life. I am proud as a Glaswegian we celebrate diversity, differing views in a respectful harmonious society."

A Glasgow-based human rights organisation has slammed some demonstrators who have praised terrorists who carried out the murders in France.

Shahid Khan, vice-chairman of Global Minorities Alliance said: "In the Pakistani city of Peshawar and elsewhere in the Muslim world protestors paid tributes to the Kouachi Brothers who killed Charlie Hebdo cartoonists and editors.

"The glorification of their killing spree is indeed a disturbing act which calls for monitoring by respective governments and law enforcement agencies.

"Such societal attitude is breeding ground for any form of militancy which stokes religious hate among others. No wonder some young men can take law in their hands and turn violent during such protest demonstrations in a bid to get a false 'glory'."

He added: "In Algeria protesters were waving placards which said 'Je suis Mohammed'. I would like us to start promoting "Je suis humaine" (I am human) as the first and most valued truth celebrated around the world."