Anti-Islam film: Afghan cleric offers cash for death of film producer

An Afghan cleric has offered rewards totalling USD 400,000 for anyone killing the producer of a US-made anti-Islam film and a French cartoonist who drew caricatures of the Muslim prophet Mohammed.

"I have offered USD 300,000 to anyone who kills the anti-Islam film producer and USD 100,000 for killing the French cartoonist," Mir Faroq Husaini, a prominent cleric in the western province of Herat, told AFP today.

Husaini said he had first announced the reward during a sermon on Friday in a large mosque in the city.

"I will sell all my properties, including my lands in Herat, to collect the money," he said.

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim nation and perceived insults to religion are taken seriously, often with violent consequences.

The "Innocence of Muslims", a crudely made film that mocks Islam, triggered violent protests in at least 20 countries including Afghanistan after excerpts were posted online last month.

Immediately after the film gained notoriety, French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published cartoons caricaturing the Muslim prophet.

A Pakistani government minister last month placed a USD 100,000 bounty on the head of the maker of the film.

Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour also called on the Taliban and Al-Qaeda to join the hunt and help accomplish the "noble deed".

ALSO READ

Pakistan remains major buyer of Chinese arms, says Pentagon report

Assad regime behind use of chemical weapons: White House

Over 37 killed in Bangla violence

Najib Razak sworn-in as Malaysia's PM, opposition cries foul