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Anger forces embassy shutdowns

US, France close missions for the day in case of protests
Anger forces embassy shutdowns
Indonesians protest against the anti-Islam movie Innocence of Muslims (Ryan Dagur)
Published: September 21, 2012 09:53 AM GMT
Updated: September 21, 2012 09:53 AM GMT

The United States embassy, as well as all other US diplomatic missions across the country, was closed today in anticipation of further protests against an anti-Muslim film that has sparked anger around the world. The French embassy was also closed following the publication this week of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad in a satirical magazine. Both countries feared that protesters, angry at the film Innocence of Muslims and the cartoons published in Charlie Hebdo magazine, could become more agitated and violent today following Friday prayers. According to US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, the decision was made in consultation with the Indonesian government. “We want to be sure that law enforcement in Indonesia has the ability to do what it needs to do to make sure there is no disruption of civil order and security,” the Australia Network News quoted her as saying yesterday. “So we are cooperating completely and we’re very grateful for the strong leadership provided by Indonesia,” she added. Water cannon and around 3,000 policemen were deployed outside the US embassy in Jakarta yesterday. According to Central Jakarta Police chief Angesta Romano Yoyol, only one organization had informed police of their intention to protest in front of the embassy. “We don’t know yet how many organizations or people will show up. The only one we know of so far is the Islamic Students Association,” he told reporters. The offending film directed by Nakoula Basseley Nakoulaportrays the Prophet Mohammed as an immoral sexual deviant. Several protests against the film, the trailer for which was posted on video-sharing website YouTube, have already taken place across the country. Related reports Mohammed film protests turn violentReligious leaders urge restraint over film

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