PARIS — A French satirical magazine on Wednesday published a series of cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad, setting off a new wave of outrage among Muslims and condemnation from French leaders amid widening unrest over an amateur video that has provoked violence throughout the Islamic world.
The illustrations, some of which depicted Muhammad naked and in pornographic poses, hit newsstands across the country Wednesday and were met with a swift rebuke from the government of Francois Hollande, which had earlier urged the magazine, Charlie Hebdo, not to publish the cartoons.
“In France, there is a principle of freedom of expression, which should not be undermined,” said foreign minister Laurent Fabius in a radio interview. “In the present context, given this absurd video that has been aired, strong emotions have been awakened in many Muslim countries. Is it really sensible or intelligent to pour oil on the fire?”
Fabius announced that, as a precaution, France planned to close its embassies in 20 countries Friday, the Muslim day of prayer, which has become an occasion for many to express their anger, although “no threats have been made against any institutions.” A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the closures would affect consulates, cultural centers and schools as well.
In Egypt, representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood denounced the cartoons as blasphemous and hurtful. Religious and political leaders in other majority Muslim nations also denounced the cartoons but called for calm.
Charlie Hebdo’s website was not functioning Wednesday, the result of a computer attack, according to the editorial director, Stephane Charbonnier.
Latest developments
Lebanon: Tens of thousands of people marched in the southern port city of Tyre chanting “Oh America, you are God’s enemy,” and, “At your service, Muhammad.”
Indonesia: The United States temporarily closed its consulate in the country’s third-largest city of Medan because of a third consecutive day of protests.
Pakistan: Several hundred lawyers protested the anti-Islam video in the capital Islamabad, forcing their way into an area that houses the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions.
Sri Lanka: About 300 Muslims protested against the film in the capital Colombo, calling for its U.S.-based creators to be hanged.
Afghanistan: Hundreds of university students staged a protest in Jalalabad and burned an effigy of President Barack Obama.
