CKWS: KARACHI, Pakistan - More than 25,000 people rallied in Karachi on Sunday in the largest protest in Pakistan so far against an anti-Qur'an film made by a Dutch legislator.
The 15-minute film by Geert Wilders, which sets verses from the Muslim holy book against a background of violent images from terror attacks, was released in March.
It has since sparked weekly protests in Pakistan, usually drawing hundreds of people after prayers on Friday, the Muslim Sabbath.
But on Sunday, Pakistani police estimated the crowed at 25,000, many of whom demanded that their government expel the Dutch ambassador.
Munawwar Hasan, a leader of the main Islamic party Jamat-e-Islami and a keynote speaker at the rally, was among those who denounced the film.
Hasan said the West calls such films freedom of expression, but that Muslims see it as "freedom of aggression."
Wearing head bands inscribed "We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the sanctity of the Prophet," the crowd marched more than a 1 1/2 kilometres, then gathered on Karachi's main street to listen to speeches. More than 25,000 Pakistanis Rally against Anti-Qur’an Film, Prophet Cartoons >>> | April 6, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback)
