'Don't insult our Prophet!' Over 100,000 march in Beirut protest (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

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Published time: September 17, 2012 14:45
Edited time: September 18, 2012 12:36

Thousands march in Beirut on September 17, 2012, to protest the film "Innocence of Muslims". (AFP photo/Joseph Eid)

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Lucy Kafanov, Middle East, Protest, Religion, USA

Biggest-ever rally over an anti-Islamic film has brought scores to Beirut, Lebanon, following a call for mass demonstrations by Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Most of the demonstrators were wearing green and yellow headbands, indicating membership in Hezbollah. The official number of participants is yet to be released, but has been estimated based on video and photos to be over a hundred thousand people.

"America, hear us – don't insult our Prophet," the protesters were chanting. The rally was split into two columns, with women marching separately from men. Some were holding portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Sporadic shouts of "Death to Israel" and "America is the biggest devil" could also be heard from the crowd, as RT's Lucy Kafanov reported from the scene. A protester, nevertheless, told RT that the demonstrators' anger is not with the American people, but with the US government for allowing the film to spread.

Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah group hold a picture of the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah as they march during a rally in southern Beirut to denounce a film mocking Islam on September 17, 2012. (AFP photo/Joseph Eid)

The crowd swelling, Hassan Nasrallah in person addressed the gathering. In his rare public appearance, Nasrallah announced the beginning of a global campaign to halt the screening and sharing of the provocative film ‘Innocence of Muslims.’ He stressed that the world does not understand Muslims’ deep reverence for the Prophet Muhammad.

"This is the start of a serious movement that must continue all over the Muslim world in defense of the prophet of God," he said to roars of support. "As long as there's blood in us, we will not remain silent over insults against our Prophet."

"Prophet of God, we offer ourselves, our blood and our kin for the sake of your dignity and honor," said Nasrallah.

The Lebanese political leader also called on the international community to criminalize insults to Islam as well as Christianity and Judaism.

“The US must understand that releasing the entire film will have very dangerous repercussions around the world,” Nasrallah said, according to Press-TV. He urged for the movie’s creators to be punished appropriately.

Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah group shout slogans during a rally in southern Beirut to denounce a film mocking Islam on September 17, 2012. (AFP photo/Joseph Eid)

Monday was Nasrallah's fifth public appearance in six years, and the first time he made a full speech in person to thousands of his supporters since 2008. Nasrallah has been in hiding since 2006 when Hezbollah fought a month-long war with Israel.

Nasrallah first called for widespread nonviolent protests on Sunday. The US must be held accountable for the film because it was produced in America, he said.

Mohammad al-Asi, an Imam at the Washington DC Islamic Center, says America's rhetoric towards the Middle East is largely to blame for the continuing protests across the world.

“This should become a very instructive lesson for US diplomats and officials to gauge the depth and the range of wrath and rage that the Muslims across the world have towards United States policies,” he told RT.

Lebanon's Hezbollah al-Mahdi boy scouts shout slogans as they march at an anti-U.S. protest in Beirut's southern suburbs September 17, 2012. (Reuters/Sharif Karim)

US Embassy in Beirut destroying classified docs – report

Though the rally in Beirut stayed well away from the US embassy there, reports suggest that the American mission in Lebanon has started to destroy classified material as a security precaution.

The Beirut embassy had “reviewed its emergency procedures and is beginning to destroy classified holdings,” says a State Department status report obtained by the Associated Press.

In Washington, officials said there was no immediate threat to the embassy. The decision to “reduce classified holdings” was routine under such circumstances and made by the embassy staff themselves, they added.

Thousands march in Beirut on September 17, 2012, to protest the film "Innocence of Muslims" (Reuters/Sharif Karim)

Earlier Monday, the State Department once again warned US citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon since the potential for a “spontaneous upsurge in violence remains” in the country, while Lebanese authorities are not able to guarantee protection.

The amateur film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ sparked outrage across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia last week. Many Muslims were infuriated by a clip of the film posted to YouTube that mocked Islam's Prophet Muhammad. In protests which followed across the world, several people have been killed and dozens were arrested as angry crowds vented their anger in front of the US embassies and consulate services.

Thousands march in Beirut on September 17, 2012, to protest the film "Innocence of Muslims" (AFP photo/Joseph Eid)

The leader of the Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, addressing the rally in Beirut on September 17, 2012 (AFP photo/Joseph Eid)

Comments (185)

Humanity (unregistered) 21.09.2012 08:07

ISLAM is the best. The truth is that jews are jealous of muslims, jealous of their power, their love for there religion, their love for their prophet. That's why they are always busy finding ways to hurt muslim. Muslims respect everyone. Why you hate muslim? Did they ever insulted christians publicaliy? Never. They love cristians, they love jesus because he is also one of there prophets. Quran and bible are almost similiar (the fact that christians changed there book)Everyone blame muslims for everthing. Why? Its just a propaganda started by jews & we all people started following it like puppets. The reason muslim hat jews because they disrespect them. Why don't jews disrespect christians because they want there help to kill the super power of muslims. JEWs need a life. They need to grow up. Stop insulting Muslims if they think they are becoming a super power through that, let them come out there dreams.

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Karen Sherry Brackett 21.09.2012 07:06

Yeah, I know what you mean. That level of severe brain washing on such a massive number of people seems impossible to over come with medical care. Nuking all of their mosques might work? Saving them from that five times a day prayer ritual would start helping by giving them some peace and quiet for the first time in centuries. Or it might just stir up the hornets nest? It’s sad to face that 1.5 billion people want to kill everyone else in the world and believe it is their duty to do so. I can't imagine killing 1.5 billion much less billions more but we may have no other choice. They have declared war on us. It's not like we get to just say "No thanks". 　 Mohammed really did start out doing well. He saved his people from worshipping idols and led them to freedom. He just did not understand what Gabriel was telling him. When Gabriel tells him that Jesus is the "ordained one" and Mohammed is to be the messenger of God. He is saying Jesus is the new High Priest or God on earth and Mohammed is to be his messenger. Like Paul was the messenger of the good news of Christ to the Gentiles, Mohammed may have been called for the Children of Ishmael but we will never know because when he messed up the message the Jews and Christians could not understand or accept his message. Once that happens, he becomes angry with all Jews and Christians and plots to kill them and corrupts himself with power and greed. Just like King David was only human and made mistakes. So, was Mohammed. Typically prophet stuff really. None of the prophets had it easy and most all of them LOL made serious mistakes. These people need Jesus. Jesus is the answer they are looking for.

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eduardo camilo 18.09.2012 19:52

If when I die God sends me to hell for my sins I'll be thankful and honored; Because, for one: Since God is,supposedly, infa llible and most righteous my punishment would be most appropriate; And, secondly : It would also be a true honor to be judged by the Almighty regar dless of the consequences.. In short, I have no problem with whatever punishment God himself choose s for me.However, when someone else tries to fit in God's shoes and claims for himself the right to kill or maim me , that's when we have a problem.Humans are fallible (suscept ible to errors ) therefore , no religious fanatic should try to fit in the shoes of God. Humans, regar dless of good intentions, could definitely get delusional and do the Devil's work ,while thinking that they were doing God's work; And, proceed on to maim and even kill ; in the name of God. Anyone who commits murder and causes others to suffer even if in the name of God or religion is actually a Devil worshiper an d guilty of blasp hemy and sacrilege.Don't insult my prophet or my belief and I won't insult yours!Unfortunately a lot of folks think that they can go around intimidating those who disagree with their beliefs , c ommit crimes in the name of their God, etc.I don't mind if someone's God sends me to hell for being a sinner but when that someone actually commits the ultimate act of sacrilege and blasphemy by pretending to be God and decides to send me to ,prematurely, go meet his God , that's when the self defense mode kicks in . Love, justice, prosperity, peace, freedom, good health and long life to all!

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