SOMALIA: Violent protests against Prophet Muhammad cartoons

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

GAROWE, 7 Feb 2006 (IRIN) - One person was killed and three others injured in Bosasso, the commercial capital of the self-declared autonomous Somali region of Puntland, when thousands of Muslims protested against the publication in Denmark of controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.

Chanting, "God is Great," protestors filled the town streets on Monday before assembling at a local sports stadium, where they were addressed by local Muslim leaders.

The demonstration turned violent after youths who were leaving the stadium started hurling stones at offices of humanitarian organisations in the town.

The youths barricaded roads with stones and forced businessmen to close down their premises and join the demonstration. They refused to heed orders to disperse, prompting the police to use tear gas.

Witnesses said the rowdy youths pelted police with stones. In return, the police opened fire, killing a 14-year old boy.

Bosasso Governor Muse Gelle told reporters on Monday evening that he had urged the protestors to observe restraint.

"I urged our Muslims brothers to restrain themselves from engaging in acts of violence," he said. "I regret the loss of life and properties, and I also condemned those few who capitalised on this situation to carry out their evil motives."

The protests, which had started in Galkaayo town on Saturday, also spread to Qardo and Allula towns.

In nearby Djibouti, demonstrations also took place on Monday. Local Muslim leaders denounced European countries and called for a boycott of Danish products.

Some European countries have been the focus of Muslim rage after the caricatures, which showed the prophet Muhammad wearing a turban resembling a bomb, were first published in a Danish newspaper and later reproduced by other newspapers.

[ENDS]