British Muslims Protest Holy Prophet Cartoons
Local Editor
Thousands of Muslims in the UK marched in the capital, London, to voice opposition against the blasphemous cartoon of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] published in the French Charlie Hebdo magazine.
The marchers took to the streets of Drowning Street holding banners that read the words "Charlie and the abuse factory" and "learn some manners". While others chanted words of disdain to the insulting depictions made by the French Magazine.
However, the protestors also condemned and expressed "deep regret" at the Paris attacks, saying they were a "violation of Islamic law".
A leaflet issued by the Muslim Action forum [MAF], who organized the rally, said recent republishing of cartoons, caricatures and depictions of the Holy Prophet by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and other publishers was a "stark reminder" that freedom of speech was "regularly utilized to insult personalities that others consider sacred".
Throughout the rally, a number of speakers addressed the crowd while there were communal prayers before a delegation took a petition that called for "global civility" and declared the production of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad were "an affront to the norms of civilized society". It was signed by more than 100,000 British Muslims to 10 Downing Street.
Though, across the street on Whitehall a handful of counter demonstrators holding a Britain First banner gathered.
On this account, Shaykh Tauqir Ishaq, a senior spokesman for MAF stated, "At this time of heightened tension and emotion, it is crucial that both sides show restraint to prevent further incidents of this nature occurring".
He then continued to thank the British Government, "The actions of the UK media in not publishing the cartoons are highly appreciated by British Muslims and we hope that this kind of self-restraint and mutual respect will ultimately lead to a harmonious society."
According to Scotland Yard said it was not aware of any arrests during the protest.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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