REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Thousands of people from various organizations in Jakarta held a demonstration in front of the US Embassy on Monday afternoon, protesting against the anti-Islam movie, `Innocence of Muslims`, produced by an American and posted on You Tube.
Among the protesters were members of Islamic Defender front (FPI), Islamic Defender Troop and Islamic Reform Movement. "The Muslims in Indonesia condemn those who insult Prophet Muhammad. We condemn the American who made the film that insulted Islam," said Abdul Bakar, one of the speakers at the rally.
There was a tension in the air after protesters gathered in front of the US Embassy situated in Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta. As the protests started getting violent, the police released tear gas and fired water cannons. Several people reportedly got injured.
As of now, vehicles are banned from entering Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan. "Innocence of Muslims" sparked protests in several Muslim countries such as Libya, Sudan, Egypt and Tunisia, because the film was deemed offensive to Islam`s Prophet Muhammad. The police have detained at least five protestors who brought sling shots and molotov cocktail.
