Thousands of Indonesians Protest U.S.-Made Film
Thousands of Muslims enraged over a film that denigrates the Prophet Muhammad marched through Indonesia's capital Jakarta on September 30.
Jakarta police spokesman Col. Rikwanto estimates at least 5,000 people joined the demonstration. They marched to the U.S. Embassy, which was guarded by hundreds of police, and staged a noisy but peaceful protest.
Participants in the rally, organized by the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party, chanted anti-American slogans and shouted "Allahu Akbar!" (God Is the Greatest).
Many wore traditional white robes and held big banners reading, "Muslims unite against insults to Islam."
Men and women wearing Muslim headscarves and children assembled outside the building, while hundreds of police stood guard and four water cannon vehicles were at the ready.
The protesters carried banners declaring "My life for the Prophet Muhammad", "Stop the film, save the Prophet Muhammad" and "Go to hell with the freedom of expression".
"It is very clear now that our real enemy is America," a speaker told the crowd, who shouted "America and Israel are terrorists!"
"Prosecute and jail the filmmaker and revoke the film from YouTube, otherwise we will boycott you America," another speaker told the crowd who shouted back, "Allahu Akbar!" (God Is the Greatest).
Protests against the film have also been held recently in other Indonesian cities.
By Sadroddin Musawi
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