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Muslims condemn violent Sydney protest
08:00 AEST Sun Sep 16 2012

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Emily O'Keefe, ninemsn

Australian Islamic leaders have condemned yesterday's violent protest in Sydney which left six police officers injured.

Six people have been charged and eight men were arrested during the demonstration involving at least 200 people who were protesting against an anti-Islamic film that that ridicules Prophet Mohammed.

Glass bottles were thrown at police who were forced to use capsicum spray, tear gas and the dog squad to keep the crowd at bay.

Islamic Friendship Association of Australia founder Keysar Trad condemned the Sydney violence, describing the marchers as a noisy minority, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Muslim community member and volunteer Tony Vlahos described the protests as an embarrassment.

"Ultimately, just because something's vile, it doesn't give people the right to protest violently against it and call for people to be beheaded," he said.

"I would love to see a counter protest at Melbourne's US consulate condemning the violent rioting in Sydney as against the principles of Islam and contrary to the example of the prophet Muhammad."

The protest began when an "an unannounced and unapproved" group of about 100 people gathered at Town Hall in Sydney's CBD at lunchtime yesterday, before walking along George Street towards Martin Place.

Conflict between police and the group then broke out, as they attempted to enter the US consulate within the MLC Centre.

A growing group of protesters then moved to Hyde Park where around 300 people gathered, waving banners that had slogans such as "Behead all those who insult the Prophet" and "Our dead are in paradise, your dead are in hell".

Nine News helicopter footage captured a handful of people in a crowd of hundreds throwing objects at riot police.

Some demonstrators were seen standing between the police and more agitated protesters in an effort to calm the crowd.

Speakers at the demonstration also appealed for calm, asking protesters to pray.

The protest came to an end at around 5pm (AEST) after demonstrators stormed out of Hyde Park and dispersed onto William Street.

Extra police have been put on duty in the CBD today in case of further protests, Nine News reports.

Sources: Nine News, The Sydney Morning Herald

Author: Emily O'Keefe

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8533533/muslims-condemn-violent-sydney-protest

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