Anti-Islamic film demo rejected

Muslims in neighbouring Oldham will lobby politicians rather than hold street demonstrations over an anti-Islamic film that has sparked global protests.

Oldham Mosques Council (OMC), which represents 27,000 Muslims, made the decision at an emergency meeting called over rising anger among mosque members.

On Saturday Muslim groups marched through Manchester calling for new blasphemy laws.

The US-made film denigrates the prophet Mohammed, say Muslims.

The 14-minute video was first posted on YouTube on 1 July.

"We would like to appeal to all the people of Oldham, that, while we respect individuals' human rights, it is through respect of each other that we build a better tomorrow for all our citizens," said a statement from OMC, which represents 35 mosques and madrassa.

It added: "The video represents a new insult, provocation and incitement to religious hatred against Islam and Muslims, which could damage world peace."

The council said it would be working with other faith groups to devise a local strategy to respond to similar incidents in the future.

It added that it would lobby MPs and MEPs for international action against attempts to incite religious hatred.