'Learn some manners' British Muslims protest against Prophet Mohammad cartoons
THOUSANDS of British Muslims gathered to protest against cartoons showing Prophet Mohammed today - more than a month after terrorists gunned down 12 people at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo over its depictions of the Islamic spiritual leader.
Crowds assembled near Downing Street in London to voice opposition to "insulting" depictions.
The Muslim Action Forum (MAF), which organised the rally, said recent republishing of cartoons, caricatures and depictions of Mohammed by Charlie Hebdo and other publishers is a "stark reminder" that freedom of speech is "regularly utilised to insult personalities that others consider sacred."
The group also expressed "deep regret" at the Paris terror attacks, which included a deadly massacre at Charlie Hebdo, saying they were a "violation of Islamic law."
Prophet Mohammed appeared on the front cover of the highly anticipated "survivor issue" of Charlie Hebdo - the first issue since two Islamist gunmen burst into the magazine's headquarters on January 7 and shot and killed 12 people.
Perpetual mistakes by extremists, either by cold-blooded killers or uncivilised expressionists, cannot be the way forward for a civilised society
But demonstrators held up banners emblazoned with the words "Charlie and the abuse factory" and "learn some manners".
A number of speakers addressed the crowd while there were communal prayers before a delegation took a petition signed by more than 100,000 British Muslims to 10 Downing Street.
The petition calls for "global civility" and says the production of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed are "an affront to the norms of civilised society."
Shaykh Tauqir Ishaq, a senior spokesman for the MAF organising the protest, said: "Perpetual mistakes by extremists, either by cold-blooded killers or uncivilised expressionists, cannot be the way forward for a civilised society.
"The peace-loving majority of people must become vociferous in promoting global civility and responsible debate. At this time of heightened tension and emotion, it is crucial that both sides show restraint to prevent further incidents of this nature occurring."
Shaykh Noor Siddiqi, another MAF representative, said:"The actions of the UK media in not publishing the cartoons is highly appreciated by British Muslims and we hope that this kind of self-restraint and mutual respect will ultimately lead to a harmonious society."
Across the street on Whitehall a handful of counter demonstrators holding a Britain First banner gathered.
Scotland Yard said it was not aware of any arrests during the protest.
