Smoke rises from burned tires in front of the U.S camp during an angry protest against an anti-Islam film in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2012. At least 40 policemen were injured on Monday morning during a protest which against an anti-Islam movie, made in the U.S.. The protest turned into violent clashes between police and protesters on Pul-i-Charkhi road in eastern part of the Afghan capital Kabul, the police said. (Xinhua/Ahmad Massoud)
KABUL, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Angry Afghans held demonstrations in Afghan capital Kabul on Monday to condemn the anti-Islam film recently produced by an American entity. The demonstrations ended up in violent conflicts with the local police, leaving 40 policemen injured.
"Up to 40 policemen were injured as protesters clashed with the police on Pul-i-Charkhi road Monday morning," Kabul police chief Mohammad Ayub Salangi told reporters.
More than 2,000 people came to the streets around Pul-i-Charkhi road to register their protest over the anti-Islam film, Salangi said, adding the anti-riot police cordoned off the area to ensure security, but the mob by throwing stones and sticks wounded 40 police.
However, he did not say if there were any casualties on the protesters.
The mob also attacked the Camp Phoenix, an NATO military installation in the area and pelted stones on guard towers during which several shops nearby were damaged.
Since Friday, Afghans in some cities by holding peaceful demonstrations have registered their protest over the anti-Islam film demanding punishment for the film producers.
Hundreds of angry people staged a protest demonstration in Ghani Khil district of Nangarhar province 120 km east of capital Kabul on Friday, calling on the Afghan government to sever ties with the U.S. and annul the strategic partnership inked with Washington in May this year.
Similarly, the students of Herat University and Kabul University staged peaceful demonstrations on Sunday and by chanting slogans "Death to America" and "Those behind producing anti-Islam film must be punished" expressed their anger.
The protestors also set on fire the effigy of President Barack Obama and U.S. flags.
The controversial film, according to media reports, portrays the Muslims Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a fraud and a womanizer. Since its surface on the internet, the film has triggered violent demonstrations in some countries.
In Libya, U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three embassy staff were killed by protesting mob; while in Egypt and Yemen scores of people had sustained injuries.
Meantime, a statement released by the office of President Hamid Karzai early weekend denounced the film.
"Office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly and resolutely denounces this desecrating act and declares its serious abhorrence in the face of such an insult," the statement added.
"We strongly believe that Sam Bacile, the film producer, and Terry Jones, the Pastor, along with their supporters, represent a small radical minority," the statement further said, adding the Government of Afghanistan strongly calls for efforts to prevent the release of this insulting film along with the video-clip.
KABUL, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- A demonstration held in the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday morning to protest against anti-Islam movie made in the U.S. turned into violent clashes between police and protesters on Puli-i-Charkhi road in eastern part of the city, a Xinhua reporter said. Full story
TUNIS/KHARTOUM, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Some U.S. diplomats were leaving the Middle East, while U.S. embassies in the region remained on alert amid continued anti-U.S. protests triggered by a U.S.-made film that "insults Prophet Mohamed."
Tunisian radio reported Sunday that 128 diplomats and members of the U.S. embassy in Tunis had left for Washington, one day after the U.S. State Department ordered non-essential diplomatic staff and their families to leave Tunisia and Sudan. Full story
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