FRENCH diplomats in Australia are on high alert amid fears of a new Muslim backlash after a French magazine published cartoons of a naked Prophet Mohammed.
The pictures in the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo have further angered Islamic hardliners already fuming over an anti-Islam film made in the US and posted online.
air max pas cher
The provocative short film - titled Innocence of Muslims - sparked violent anti-Western protests across the globe, including in Sydney.
The French embassy in Canberra and consulate in Sydney have boosted their security measures after authorities in Paris urged their diplomats to be extra vigilant.
French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet says he is taking a "zero risk" approach.
"At this stage we have no specific threats against French interests in Australia but it's better to prepare," Mr Romatet told AAP today.
"So this is exactly what we are doing right now."
Senior NSW police have also voiced fears that the cartoons could further inflame tensions.
Deputy NSW Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas today described the cartoons as "not helpful".
"We're not aware of any specific plans for demonstrations this weekend," he told reporters.
"But we are absolutely ready for whatever may happen this weekend."
That will include a strong police presence in the city and other potential flashpoints, he said.
There are also fears a violent mob may descend on Melbourne on Sunday despite organisers cancelling an Islamic rally over security concerns.
Swaybah Javed, who helped invite more than 1800 people to a rally outside the state library, says she's scrapped the event to avoid risking further violence.
"It is a shameful day for Australia when Islamophobia has boiled over to the point where it is impossible to carry out a peaceful protest," she told AAP today.
But police say they are still planning for the worst and will have mounted police and heavily armed officers at the ready in case troublemakers arrive in the city.
"Whilst the organisers were planning a peaceful protest, outsider groups not associated with the Islamic community were attempting to hijack it and provoke a confrontation," Victoria Police spokesman Charlie Morton said.
French diplomatic missions and schools in 20 countries will shut down on Friday - the Muslim day of prayer - over fears they will be targeted by angry mobs.
Mr Romatet takes a dim view of the magazine's decision to publish the cartoons in the current tense climate.
Femmes Air Max 95
"We have to avoid fuelling the tensions and putting more oil on the fire," he said.
That's a sentiment echoed by Australian Greens leader Christine Milne, who called the magazine's move "highly irresponsible".
More than 30 people have been killed in attacks and violent protests linked to the Innocence of Muslims film.
没有评论:
发表评论