Bhopal, Apr 5 : Hundreds of Muslims took out a silent procession here last evening to condemn the derogatory depiction of Prophet Mohammad in a Danish paper, and a German film showing Islam in bad light.

Carrying banners and placards reading "Down with Denmark, Germany andsrael", the protesters marched down the street demanding that the government convey their sentiments to the three countries through diplomatic channels.

"There have conspiracies to disgrace Islam. First the film titled 'Fitna' that depicts Quran in bad light and secondly the republication of derogatory cartoons of Prophet Mohammad. The Muslim community is extremely hurt by these actions. So, we have taken out a silent procession to voice our concerns. We hope the authorities would carry the message to those who are carrying out such actions," said Abdul Latif Khan, a cleric.

Demonstrations have sprung up in recent weeks in the country against the cartoons with protesters demanding government to end diplomatic ties with Denmark and appealing Muslims to boycott Danish goods.

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden this week warned that Europe would be punished for the cartoons, first published by a Danish paper in September 2005.

Last month, some Danish newspapers reprinted one of the cartoons in solidarity with the cartoonist after three men were arrested on suspicion of plans to kill him, sparking more anger.

At least 50 people have been killed in protests against the publication of the cartoons, which Muslims say are an affront to Islam. Newspapers, which have reprinted the cartoons, argue they are defending the right to media freedom.

ANI