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'Death to France!' as Islamic Protests Go Global

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Muslims in several countries are outraged over the newest cover image of Islam's Prophet Mohammed by the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

The magazine's new cartoon, which hit newsstands Jan 14, has led to more violence and death. It was the first following the Jan. 7 attack on the paper's headquarters that left 12 people dead.

In the West African country of Niger, at least 10 people were killed in two days of violent weekend demonstrations.

Neal and Danette Childs are missionaries in Niamey and they oversee several churches in Niger. Recently, they told CBN News how Christians defended their church from a mob and how the attacks mean the church is becoming a force in Niger. Click to hear the full interview.

Protesters set churches on fire in capital city of Niamey. Police and army officers tried to break up the crowd by firing tear gas.

Protesters also set fire to roadblocks across the city, its French cultural center, and the National Lottery building.

In Pakistan, protesters stood on French, U.S., and Israeli flags and held a poster that read, "We condemn the blasphemy of Mohammed in Charlie Hebdo."

Mainstream Islamic tradition states any physical depiction of Mohammed, even a respectful one, is considered blasphemous.

On Monday in Afghanistan, hundreds of Afghans burned the French flag and chanted "death to France."

The protesters also demanded the French embassy in Kabul be shut down, and they want the French government to apologize to Muslims.

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About The Author

Mark
Martin

Mark Martin currently serves as a reporter and anchor at CBN News, reporting on all kinds of issues, from military matters to alternative fuels. Mark has reported internationally in the Middle East. He traveled to Bahrain and covered stories on the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mark also anchors CBN News Midday on the CBN Newschannel and fills in on the anchor desk for CBN News' Newswatch and The 700 Club. Prior to CBN News, Mark worked at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There he served as a weekend morning producer, before being promoted to general