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Blasphemy riots: 6 examples around the world

Many Muslims consider any depiction of the prophet to be forbidden, and Islamic teachings call for handling the Quran with respect. Incidents of both intentional and unintentional disrespect have occasionally prompted protests and violence around the world. Here are six examples:

Bagram Quran burning

In February 2012 thousands rallied outside the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan after NATO and US troops reportedly burned copies of the Quran. The texts were removed from a library at a nearby detention center for what was believed to be extremist messages written in the texts and exchanged among detainees.

When news of the burning, which took place at a trash dump, reached Afghan employees at Bagram who reportedly saw charred remains of the texts, they passed the news beyond the military compound, leading to protests by thousands of Afghans chanting anti-American slogans and more than 12 deaths.

President Barack Obama apologized for the event and six US army officials received administrative penalties. An Army investigating officer wrote in a March report that the men showed poor judgement but did not have “malicious intent,” according to Bloomberg. “Despite all the missteps, at no time was the path chosen by the involved US service members motivated by hatred or intolerance of a particular faith,” the report said. (Here are some appropriate ways to dispose of a Quran.)

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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