Muslims hold protest | February 13, 2006

2-11-06

Daily Ireland.

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A Muslim leader in Ireland yesterday called for an end to the violence in protest at the printing of cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad in newspapers across Europe. Hundreds of Muslim took to the streets of Dublin to condemn the violence, which was sparked by the publication of the cartoons in a Danish newspaper.

The organisers of the protest praised Irish newspapers and magazines for not publishing the cartoons. Approximately 300 people from Dublin's Islamic community turned out for the march in response to calls for an "international day of anger".

Organiser Sheikh Dr Shaheed Satardien led the rally through the city. He said he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. "We are not violent people and we do not call for an international day of violence. We are dignified people and we control our anger. We appeal to our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world to stop the violence in the name of Muhammad," he said.

He congratulated the Irish media for using freedom of speech responsibly.
The Irish Daily Star was the only paper to reproduce the cartoons. Carrying banners reading "Islam means peace", the chanting crowd marched along Clanbrassil Street Upper, New Street South and Kevin Street before passing the Danish embassy on St Stephen's Green.

A number of speakers addressed the crowd at the green's entrance, before the protesters dispersed peacefully. Tom Molloy, of Education for Peace, thanked the "sons and daughters of the prophet Muhammad" for bringing their spirituality to Ireland. "Ireland has had our own prophet and spirits insulted over the years so we can sympathise with the Islamic community," he said.

Mohammed Syed, a 36-year-old dispense optician who has lived in Dublin city centre for five years, said: "I have come here today to show my love to the prophet Muhammad. He is the most loving thing in our lives. His message is peace so it is important for us to protest peacefully."