OIC condemns film, violence

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned recent insults to Islam as malicious but stressed violent reactions were against religious principles. A film produced in the United States deemed insulting to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and a derogatory caricature in French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo sparked a wave of anti-Western demonstrations across much of the world. The OIC, in a statement, described the denigrations as "antagonizing" and "malicious" acts that represent an irresponsible use of the freedom of expression. "The commission reminds that every human being has the inherent right to life and no one should be arbitrarily deprived of this right," the statement added. "It also recalls that Islam teaches that the killing of one is same as killing all people." Maina Kiai, U.N. special envoy on the rights to freedom of assembly, said this week that the freedom to protest was not an excuse to commit violence. Violence against U.S. interests across the globe spilled into a second week. The U.S. State Department issued travel advisories and warnings Thursday for Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Jordan, Malaysia and Pakistan.