No Break in Violent Protests Against Anti-Islam Film

At least nineteen people are dead after riots in Pakistan over an anti-Muslim film.

Thousands angered by the film ignored pleas for peaceful rallies and rampaged in several Pakistani cities in battles with police.

The violence touched off criticism of the government's decision to declare Friday a national holiday to proclaim devotion for the Prophet Muhammad.

The film, which was produced in the United States and denigrates the prophet, has outraged many in the Muslim world in the 10 days since it attracted attention on the Internet.

There were new, mostly peaceful protests in a half-dozen countries from Asia to the Middle East.

Analysts accuse the Pakistani government of pandering to -- calling it a "Day of Love for the Prophet." Critics say the move helped unleash the worst violence yet caused by the film, titled "Innocence of Muslims."

Forty-nine people, including the U.S ambassador to Libya, have died in violence linked to the film around the world.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 

Related Stories:

• Officials Say Benghazi Suspects Under Surveillance
• Issa Plans Depositions for Mullen, Pickering
• Biden, Kerry Honor Fallen Diplomats
• Senate Passes Bill to Improve Embassy Security
• Police: Suicide Bombing at US Embassy, 2 Dead
• Lawyer: Tunisian Suspect in Libya Attack Freed
• Lawmakers Press for Answers on 9/11 Libya Assault
• Benghazi Review Slams State Department on Security
• Petraeus Believed Terrorists Behind Libya Attack
• Pentagon Timeline Shows Military Response to Libya