Anti-Islam film protests erupt in Sydney

15 Sep 2012, 3:46 pm   -   Source: AFP
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A group of protestors demonstrating against an anti-Islam video in Sydney. (AAP)

A group of protestors demonstrating against an anti-Islam video in Sydney. (AAP)

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Sydney, as a wave of unrest against a film that mocks Islam spread to Australia, with bottles and shoes hurled outside the US consulate.

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Police have fired tear gas at protesters after a demonstration against an anti-Islam video turned violent.

Two men have also been taken to hospital after being bitten by police dogs.

More than 100 police have formed a ring around protesters in Hyde Park, who are carrying banners bearing slogans like "Behead all those who insult the Prophet" and "Our dead are in paradise, your dead are in hell".

The planned protest began at Sydney's Town Hall before moving outside the US Consulate in Martin Place.

The protest involves about 200 people and is the latest in a spate of protests at embassies in the Middle East, Africa, London and elsewhere over a vicious anti-Muslim video.

Shoppers looked on in surprise as protesters, including children, shouted "Down, down USA" and waved banners such as "Behead all those who insult the prophet".
  
"We are sick and tired of everyone mocking our beloved prophet," protester Houda Dib told AFP, as the crowd of about 500 gathered outside the US consulate.
  
"They have no right to mock our prophet. We don't go around mocking anyone's religion."
  
"They call us the terrorists," protester Sarah Jacob said. "But everyone is terrorising our people."
  
Demonstrators were pushed back from the steps outside the consulate by police, provoking anger among some in the crowd, many of whom had brought their children with them.
  
"They were aggravating the situation by pushing our brothers," Dib said. "This is supposed to be a peaceful protest."
  
The protesters later moved to nearby Hyde Park, where one speaker called for calm, saying the aim of their protest had been to send a message.
  
"We are here for the sake of our god," he said. "The message is clear, you cannot mock (the prophet)."
 

Arab World Unrest

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Australia & Protests

EQUALITY 2012 - from Maroubra, 9 months ago

Ok Everybody obviously you are all entitled to your opinions, however bear in mind that Australia has a history of utilising protests as a means of communication. Why are we so concerned about this riot - because it involved Muslims who are already stereotyped as terrorists, evil and having no respect for their own religion. The media provides no sanction to hinder these stereotypes, and in contrast turns society against Muslim people.

Over the Top

Jaspa - from gold coast, 9 months ago

You dont see Christians commiting violent protests, when Jesus is ridiculed. Why, because, Jesus asked us to forgive our enemies, and not take an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth. Jesus said, Judge not, lest ye be judged. Only God has the authority to Judge. Christianity is a religion of forgiveness and compassion, whereas Islam, is a religion of control and domination. Islam recognizes Jesus as a prophet, shame they dont listen to his teachings.

Sydney riots

J - from Perth, 9 months ago

I think these riots were entirely unjustified and those involved deserve to be punished. Interestingly, a few years ago no-one called for the perpetrators of the Cronulla riots to be deported. Those riots from memory were far worse too.

Aussie

Noman - from Sydney, 9 months ago

For all you 'true' aussie: why don't you guys go and help assange first? He is one of you and your government has backed off. Why is no one helping him? He is an aussie n its important to safeguard his rights. But your government has been a slave of USA and still is. I'm sorry but this is true. Cheers

Muslim

Noman - from Sydney, 9 months ago

I strongly condemn their way of protesting. It was supposed to be a peaceful protest but it turned violent. No matter what, its not the best way to protest. Islam is a peaceful religion. Not everyone is the same. Its the media that portray us. We are being murdered, harassed and pressed all over the world. No one speaks out then, we are being labelled as terrorists and we are the target of terrorism!! Iraq? Syria? Afghanistan? Pakistan? Palestine? I still apologise on behalf of muslims for what happened on sat.

Jad

Jadaca - from Mansfield, 9 months ago

No body in this country had anything to do with the film! So why exactly all the unrest? What a disgrace! The level and degree of those protesting demonstrates a "believe as we do or die". They clearly have no respect for the country that gave them refuge. Some say go back to where you came from. I say go back to the dark ages where this type of religious behaviour was the order of the day. An accepting religion? Yeah right.... but only if you don't upset them. Grow up childish protesters.

it was an attack, not a protest.

colonial boy - from europe, 9 months ago

i dont mock your prophet, i mock the mob the prophet would be ashamed of them, as all true aussies are. why attack the u.s. embassy in beautiful sydney, the people there had nothing to do with the movie islamic extremists are using a movie (they probably made) to attack western values they are using the flock of the prophet falsely i ask my aussie brothers to be patient and not consider all muslims a threat i live in a high density muslim population, most are good folk, not all. gba

Ms

Gosia - from Rosebery, 9 months ago

I would not say the protest was peaceful - why carrying chains (or belts, was not sure)? in the middle of the city, waiting in my car at the lights for the mass of people to pass intersection of Market St/Castlereagh Street, saw some of them 'peaceful' protesters , shirtless, with shirts tied around their hands, carrying chains? or at least something which suspiciously looked like chains/or belts/ ..waving flags, shouting, mocking passersby.this is not happening when someone makes fun of Jesus!

Mr

Les Wolkowski - from Sunnybank Hills, Brisbane, 9 months ago

I don't care if the protesters are Muslims, Buddhists, Martians... They have no respect for laws of our land, therefore they are just hooligans and undesirables. I work hard and I earn right to live in peacefull and harmonious society. If you are stupid enough to take notice of a YouTube short film and declare a war on USA - you just made me (and others) watch the film (not all of it, as it was dead boring), and made Islam looking way worse. Try to accept that your anticts are not welcome here!

Australia should let the people in who oppose freedom of speech.

Richard - from Hurstville, 9 months ago

What is Immigration Minister doing? Why can't he deport the people who demand "Behead all those who insult the prophet" ?

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