- 18 Feb 2006, 14:58
#5827
Embassies evade Muslim demonstrators
2006-02-18 09:17:42
By Guardian Reporters
The Danish and Norwegian embassies in Dar es Salaam yesterday closed their offices, fearing a demonstration staged by Moslems in protest against cartoons insulting Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
A team of The Guardian reporters that went to the two embassies at around 1 pm found no officials, except security guards and receptionists.
The reporters were making a follow up on Muslim representatives who were supposed to deliver a message on behalf of all Tanzanian Muslims to the two embassies.
A security guard at the Danish Embassy who preferred anonymity told the reporters that embassy staff left the premises as early as 11 am.
’All embassy officials left their offices at 11 am. We just saw them rushing to their cars and speeding off. They have not come back and we do not expect them to return today,’ the guard said.
He said the closing time is usually at 4pm or 5 pm.
A similar scenario prevailed at the Norwegian embassy where guards were on alert, ready to stop any invaders.
Meanwhile, thousands of Muslim demonstrators yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration from Mnazi Mmoja grounds which ended at Jangwani grounds.
The demo which started at around 2pm passed along Bibi Titi road, Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road and United Nations Road before entering Morogoro Road and Jangwani grounds.
The demonstrators carried a number of placards which conveyed angry messages.
’Danish and Norwegians must leave Tanzania immediately. You must convert into Islam…,’ read part of a placard carried by a Moslem demonstrator at Mnazi Mmoja grounds.
’Denmark and Europe behave yourselves or else…,’ another placard read.
The demonstrators stressed that Prophet Muhammad was the only Prophet of God and no human being had a right to ridicule him.
Muslims of all walks of life took part in the demonstration. Heavily armed police were deployed to ensure order.
Addressing thousands of Muslims at Jangwani grounds, the Chairman of the Consultative Council for Imams (Tanzania), Amir Mussa Kundecha, said that Muslims had issued a 21day ultimatum to the two embassies to recant.
’This is our message which our representatives sent to the two embassies. We want them to admit that insulting the Holy Prophet is a mortal sign. They should also tell their governments to enact laws which prohibit insulting religions,’ he said.
He added: ’If this is not done in 21 days from today, Muslims will boycott all products and services from the two countries and we will request our government to cut diplomatic ties with Denmark and Norway.’
SOURCE: Guardian
http://www.ippmedia.com
2006-02-18 09:17:42
By Guardian Reporters
The Danish and Norwegian embassies in Dar es Salaam yesterday closed their offices, fearing a demonstration staged by Moslems in protest against cartoons insulting Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
A team of The Guardian reporters that went to the two embassies at around 1 pm found no officials, except security guards and receptionists.
The reporters were making a follow up on Muslim representatives who were supposed to deliver a message on behalf of all Tanzanian Muslims to the two embassies.
A security guard at the Danish Embassy who preferred anonymity told the reporters that embassy staff left the premises as early as 11 am.
’All embassy officials left their offices at 11 am. We just saw them rushing to their cars and speeding off. They have not come back and we do not expect them to return today,’ the guard said.
He said the closing time is usually at 4pm or 5 pm.
A similar scenario prevailed at the Norwegian embassy where guards were on alert, ready to stop any invaders.
Meanwhile, thousands of Muslim demonstrators yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration from Mnazi Mmoja grounds which ended at Jangwani grounds.
The demo which started at around 2pm passed along Bibi Titi road, Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road and United Nations Road before entering Morogoro Road and Jangwani grounds.
The demonstrators carried a number of placards which conveyed angry messages.
’Danish and Norwegians must leave Tanzania immediately. You must convert into Islam…,’ read part of a placard carried by a Moslem demonstrator at Mnazi Mmoja grounds.
’Denmark and Europe behave yourselves or else…,’ another placard read.
The demonstrators stressed that Prophet Muhammad was the only Prophet of God and no human being had a right to ridicule him.
Muslims of all walks of life took part in the demonstration. Heavily armed police were deployed to ensure order.
Addressing thousands of Muslims at Jangwani grounds, the Chairman of the Consultative Council for Imams (Tanzania), Amir Mussa Kundecha, said that Muslims had issued a 21day ultimatum to the two embassies to recant.
’This is our message which our representatives sent to the two embassies. We want them to admit that insulting the Holy Prophet is a mortal sign. They should also tell their governments to enact laws which prohibit insulting religions,’ he said.
He added: ’If this is not done in 21 days from today, Muslims will boycott all products and services from the two countries and we will request our government to cut diplomatic ties with Denmark and Norway.’
SOURCE: Guardian
http://www.ippmedia.com
:(:( (or atleast it dint reach me:'()