Valley Muslim leader condemns Mideast violence

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local Muslim leader has condemned both the attacks in Libya as well as a movie which depicts the prophet Muhammad in a negative light.

The leader of Fresno's Islamic Cultural Center says Muslims around the world have the right to protest but they should be staged in a peaceful manner.

The violent protests have now spread to about twenty countries. Demonstrators clashed with police outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.

The events drew a stern reaction at the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno. Imam Seyed Ali Ghazvini is disturbed by the chaotic scenes in several countries.

"Just like I said in my sermon if the prophet was alive today he would not respond in a violent matter," Iman Ghazvini said. "We are very concerned about the spreading of violence."

Iman Ghazvini says Muslims are outraged by clips from a low budget movie which ridicules the prophet Muhammad.

"I think the objective of the movie is to promote hate and conflict and unfortunately it is putting our nation's interests in danger," Iman Ghazvini said.

Fresno City College History Professor Allen Siroky says the violence in the middle east does not involve the mainstream population.

"This is not the rank and file. These are people on the extremes and that gives us hope I think," Dr. Siroky said.

Siroky says it's important to deal separately with extremists while building the trust of the majority in each country.

Imam Ghazvini was on his way to Indonesia where demonstrations have been held, but he does not have any safety concerns.

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middle east, libya, egypt, riot, local, dale yurong

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