UN Chief Ban Ki-moon — AP Photo
UN chief Ban Ki-moon. — Photo by AP

UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Thursday condemned the “hateful” anti-Islam film that he said was deliberately intended to incite bigotry.

Ban is “deeply disturbed” by the eruption of deadly anti-US violence in Libya and other Middle East countries caused by the film which mocks Islam, a UN spokeswoman Vannina Maestracci said.

“Nothing justifies such killings and attacks. He condemns the hateful film that appears to have been deliberately designed to sow bigotry and bloodshed,” the spokeswoman added.

“At this time of rising tensions, the secretary general calls for calm and restraint, and stresses the need for dialogue, mutual respect and understanding.”

The film sparked an attack in which the US ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed in the Libyan city of Benghazi, clashes in Yemen in which four people were killed when demonstrators tried to storm the US embassy and violent protests outside the US embassy in Cairo.

The film denigrating the Prophet Mohammed was promoted by evangelical and Coptic Christians living in the United States. The suspected producer is a Coptic Christian living in California.

The US government has strongly condemned the film.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...