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Monday, 7 October, 2002, 00:55 GMT 01:55 UK
Muslim anger at Prophet slur
![]() Falwell has caused offence at home and abroad
Iran has added its voice to growing protests over a conservative Christian evangelist in the United States who has described the Prophet Mohammed as a "terrorist".
"This insult to the holy Prophet Mohammed by a Christian priest is part of a propaganda war by the US mass media and the Zionists," Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi said. Mr Falwell has also been denounced by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Muslim groups in the US who urged mainstream American leaders not to remain silent. The interview with Mr Falwell was shown on CBS television's "60 Minutes" programme. Inflammatory
"In my opinion, Jesus set the example for love, as did Moses, and I think Mohammed set an opposite example." Mr Falwell is well-known for his inflammatory statements. Last year, he was widely criticised for saying pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays and civil liberties groups had contributed to the moral decay of the United States, angering God who allowed the 11 September attacks to happen. He later apologised.
Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said: "Anybody is free to be a bigot if they want to. What concerns us is the lack of reaction by mainstream religious and political leaders who say nothing when these bigots voice these attacks." 'Ignorant' Speaking in Tehran, Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi urged Islamic nations not to remain silent in the face of "such unashamed accusations". They must not, he said, permit "the clash of religions and civilisations sought by the expansionist and aggressive Zionists". In Malaysia, Dr Mahathir said only an ignorant person would make such a remark and he urged Muslims not to take the matter too seriously. "I'm not going to accuse all Christians, only one person made such a statement." |
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01 Oct 02 | Americas
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