50 Afghan police injured in film protests

About 50 Afghan police were injured Monday in clashes with protesters demonstrating against an anti-Islam film that sparked violence in 20 other countries. Kabul Police Chief Ayub Salangi said hundreds of young men gathered in protest against the film "Innocence of Muslims" pressing toward the center of Kabul as they burned tires and threw rocks at police, The New York Times reported Monday. Deputy Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Nejeebullah Nikzad said three police officers were in critical condition after protesters set an Afghan police check post and vehicle on fire, Khaama Press reported. Pajhwok Afghan News quoted one protester as shouting, "We will continue our protests as long as the individuals who insulted our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) are not punished." Protests began Tuesday in about nearly two dozen Islamic countries after news spread of the Web-based film produced in the United States that impugned the character of the Prophet Muhammad. U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three other U.S. officials were killed Tuesday in an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. However, it was unclear whether the attack was related to the film.