Paper's presses burnt for 'blasphemy' letter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hundreds of Islamic students set fire to the printing works of Pakistan's Frontier Post in Peshawar yesterday, accusing it of publishing a blasphemous letter. On Monday, the government shut the offices for publishing "highly derogatory remarks" against the Prophet Mohamed and the Koran.
Hundreds of Islamic students set fire to the printing works of Pakistan's Frontier Post in Peshawar yesterday, accusing it of publishing a blasphemous letter. On Monday, the government shut the offices for publishing "highly derogatory remarks" against the Prophet Mohamed and the Koran.
The letter, e-mailed to the editor, accused the Prophet of lewd behaviour and victimising Jews. The author is unknown.
The protesters marched through the streets, shouting slogans against the Frontier Post, and "Hang all those who insulted the Prophet". Police in riot gear watched as fire and smoke billowed from the building. witnesses said. But they blocked a crowd of students marching toward the editorial office in a nearby building. Later, police arrested five journalists and registered a blasphemy case against the management. The press watchdog Journalists Without Borders issued a protest.
In Islamic Pakistan, the maximum punishment for blasphemous remarks against Islam, the Koran and the Prophet is death. Human rights groups say the controversial blasphemy law victimises Pakistan's religious minorities.
The English-language daily said in an apology: "It has injured our feelings equally with every Muslim," adding that a complaint had been filed with police against employees suspected of publishing the letter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments