NIAMEY - Thirty-five people were killed and several churches were burnt in Niger on Monday in the latest protest against the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad by the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
Anger on the publication of the cartoons erupted in several Muslim countries, while in Niger, chaos in the former French colonies in Africa it entered its second day on Tuesday.
In the demonstration, approximately 1,000 youths armed with iron bars, clubs and boat ramp in the capital of Niger, here. They threw stones at police who responded with tear gas release.
At least eight churches were burnt while the French Embassy here urged citizens not to go out of their homes.
In addition, a number of bars, hotels and various businesses owned by non-Muslims who have relations with France are also being targeted.
Cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in Charlie Hebdo
On Friday, five people were killed and 45 others injured in similar protests in cities both in Niger, Zinder.
Unrest in the country prompted the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, calling on citizens to remain calm.
"They were invaded, plundered and polluted the house of worship and killing of fellow Christians do not understand anything about Islam," he said.
In France, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius condemned the use of violence in the Niger while President Francois Hollande said France is committed to voting rights and will not tolerate thereon.
In the meantime, about 15,000 people gathered in Ingushetia, Russia barbaric act of protest against Charlie Hebdo.
Similar protests were held in Pakistan on Friday. In Gaza, the French cultural center littered with graffiti that says: "Go to hell, French journalists." - AFP
