Denmark
Danish newspapers reprint Mohammad cartoon; protesPosted Apr 2 2008
On. Feb. 13 several Danish newspapers republished the cartoon depicting the Prophet Mohammad that caused international controversy more than two years ago. The cartoon, drawn by Jyllands-Posten cartoonist Kurt Westergaard, shows the Prophet Mohammad with a bomb in his turban.
The reprint was a response to the discovery of a plot by three Muslims to kill Westergaard. Reuters reports five daily newspapers, more than 10 smaller papers and one Swedish daily printed the cartoon to show solidarity.
Artistic representations of the prophet are considered offensive by most Muslims. After the cartoon was printed in 2005, Danish embassies were attacked in the Middle East, Africa and Asia and over 50 people were killed in riots.
Danish Muslims marched in the streets of Copenhagen in protest. Nearly 5% of the Danish population is Muslim.
Social workers think the reprinted cartoon may have helped fuel eight nights of riots that broke out in Copenhagen and spread to other cities. No official reason has been given for the riots, which involve youth, many with immigrant backgrounds. More than 25 people have been arrested for vandalism, which began Feb. 10. Reuters reports 28 cars and 35 garbage trucks were burned during the Copenhagen riots.