Protests against Anti-Islam Film in Germany
Hundreds of people held peaceful protests in German cities Friday against an anti-Islam film that has inflamed tempers around the world, police said.
Around 800 demonstrators marched through the center of the southwestern German city of Freiburg under the banner "I Love My Prophet."
Freiburg was the first German city to approve such a march but imposed strict conditions including a ban on participants using outlawed slogans, carrying potentially dangerous objects or covering their faces.
Protesters hoisted signs reading "Yes to Freedom of Expression, No to Insults" and "I Am Protesting against the Lack of Respect toward My Beloved Prophet Muhammad."
Another 500 people gathered in the western city of Muenster, police said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson Steffen Seibert had earlier called for the protests to remain peaceful, saying violence was never justified in religious disputes, whether in Germany or abroad.
"That should be our watchword, everywhere," he told a regular government news conference.
Further protests are expected Saturday in the cities of Karlsruhe and Dortmund. Police said they expected them to remain peaceful.
By Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
OIC Expresses Shock and Dismay over Prophet Cartoons
Egypts Mufti Urges Muslims to Endure Insults Peacefully
France Bans Protests over Prophet Muhammad Cartoons
Muslim Anti-Film Protest Hits London
