Denmark, Germany are degrading Islam: Indian Muslims
Bhopal,
Apr
5:
Hundreds
of
Muslims
took
out
a
silent
procession
here
last
evening
to
condemn
the
derogatory
depiction
of
Prophet
Mohammad
in
a
Danish
paper,
and
a
German
film
showing
Islam
in
bad
light.
Carrying
banners
and
placards
reading
'Down
with
Denmark,
Germany
and
Israel',
the
protesters
marched
down
the
street
demanding
that
the
government
convey
their
sentiments
to
the
three
countries
through
diplomatic
channels.
"There have conspiracies to disgrace Islam. First the film titled 'Fitna' that depicts Quran in bad light and secondly the republication of derogatory cartoons of Prophet Mohammad. The Muslim community is extremely hurt by these actions. So, we have taken out a silent procession to voice our concerns. We hope the authorities would carry the message to those who are carrying out such actions," said Abdul Latif Khan, a cleric.
Demonstrations have sprung up in recent weeks in the country against the cartoons with protesters demanding government to end diplomatic ties with Denmark and appealing Muslims to boycott Danish goods.
Osama warns Europe
Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden this week warned that Europe would be punished for the cartoons, first published by a Danish paper in September 2005. Last month, some Danish newspapers reprinted one of the cartoons in solidarity with the cartoonist after three men were arrested on suspicion of plans to kill him, sparking more anger. At least 50 people have been killed in protests against the publication of the cartoons, which Muslims say are an affront to Islam. Newspapers, which have reprinted the cartoons, argue they are defending the right to media freedom.
ANI