London, UK, February 5 – Following its successful demonstration in Central London yesterday, Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain reiterates the need for Muslims to protest peacefully and responsibly in response to the publication of offensive caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by European media outlets.
Yesterday's demonstration was attended by several thousand Muslims from across the UK, young and old, male and female. It was addressed by leaders of Hizb ut-Tahrir, Imams of mosques and community leaders who urged Muslims to demand that Western governments exert pressure on their media outlets to retract the offensive caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), apologise for the offence caused and guarantee no further repetition of such abuse. Speakers at the demonstration also urged the Muslim community to respond in a peaceful and responsible manner.
Dr Imran Waheed, a media representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, said, "While strongly condemning the publication of these caricatures, we in no way condone the conduct of those who are urging violent protests or inciting hatred against others ? as stated at yesterday's demonstration, the Muslim community in Britain must be vocal in protest, but should not stoop to the level of those who have provoked our community."
"As the majority of media outlets have accurately reported, yesterday's demonstration was peaceful, passed off without incident and bore no relation whatsoever to the demonstration on Friday. However we are surprised at a minority of media outlets who seek to link our peaceful and responsible protest with a completely unconnected demonstration on Friday.
"We would like to point out for the record that we had no connection whatsoever with Friday's demonstration and will not tolerate the incitement of violence or hatred."
"At this juncture, the way forward is neither in continued publication of offensive cartoons nor violent protests, but in sincere and robust intellectual debate and dialogue regarding Islam and the West."
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