Thousands of British Muslims gathered near Downing Street to
protest against cartoons showing the prophet Muhammad and voice opposition to
“insulting” depictions.
A leaflet issued by the Muslim Action forum (MAF), who
organised the rally, said recent republishing of cartoons, caricatures and
depictions of Muhammad by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and other publishers
is a “stark reminder” that freedom of speech is “regularly utilised to insult
personalities that others consider sacred”.
The group also expressed “deep regret” at the Paris terror
attacks, which included a massacre at Charlie Hebdo, saying they were a
“violation of Islamic law”.
The words “Charlie and the abuse factory” and “learn some
manners” were written on signs held by demonstrators. A number of speakers
addressed the crowd while there were communal prayers before a delegation took
a petition signed by more than 100,000 British Muslims to 10 Downing Street.
It calls for “global civility” and says the production of
cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad are “an affront to the norms of civilised
society”.
Shaykh Tauqir Ishaq, a senior spokesman for MAF, said:
“Perpetual mistakes by extremists, either by cold-blooded killers or uncivilised
expressionists, cannot be the way forward for a civilised society. The
peace-loving majority of people must become vociferous in promoting global
civility and responsible debate. At this time of heightened tension and
emotion, it is crucial that both sides show restraint to prevent further
incidents of this nature occurring.”
Shaykh Noor Siddiqi, another MAF representative, said: “The
actions of the UK media in not publishing the cartoons is highly appreciated by
British Muslims and we hope that this kind of self-restraint and mutual respect
will ultimately lead to a harmonious society.”
Across the street on Whitehall a handful of counter
demonstrators holding a Britain First banner gathered.
Scotland Yard said it was not aware of any arrests during
the protest.
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