Imam of Al-Azhar leads protest over cartoons

Egypt noted today that Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamad Sayyed Tantawi led Monday a protest by thousands of Al-Azhar University students against "mocking Prophet Muhammad in a number of European newspapers."

Egypt's Mufti Ali Gomaa, Awqaf (religious endowments) Minister Hamdi Zaqzouq and Al-Azhar University President Ahmed El-Tayyib took part in the demonstration.

"Tantawi said boycotting the products of all countries which insulted Prophet Muhammad is a religious duty that should be followed by all Muslims," it was noted.

The report said that the Egyptian Shura Council "condemned Monday February 7 such caricatures saying there was a clear-cut distinction between freedom of expression, and sacrilege. The council further warned of grave consequences if such anti-religion campaign continued."

The report noted that "thousands of Danes staged Monday a peaceful march outside the offices of Jyllands-Posten newspaper, which first published anti-Prophet cartoons, expressing their sorrow over the caricatures. Danish demonstrators raised banners showing the peace sign and the word 'apologies'."