Muslim demonstrators gather at Downing St to protest Mohammed cartoons

At least 1,000 British Muslims protested in central London on Sunday against what they called "insulting depictions" of the Prophet Mohammad by French newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

The crowds gathered near 10, Downing St carrying placards with slogans such as "Stand Up For the Prophet".

The event comes weeks after 17 people were killed in three days of violence last month in France that began when two Islamist gunmen burst into Charlie Hebdo's Paris offices, opening fire in revenge for its publication of satirical images of Mohammad.

Sunday's protest organisers condemned the Paris attacks, but said the magazine should not publish cartoons of the prophet.

Imams delivered speeches and the crowds paused to pray before handing in an online petition to Cameron's office signed by over 100,000 Muslims.

The petition, organised by a group called Muslim Action Forum, denounced those who had produced cartoons of the prophet, calling them "an affront to the norms of civilised society".

A leaflet circulated by the event's organisers said depictions of Mohammad by Charlie Hebdo and others was "a stark reminder" that freedom of speech was "regularly utilised to insult personalities that others consider sacred".

A group of around 10 far-right protesters looked on but the protest passed off peacefully.

related articles
British mosques serve tea and cake to build bridges after Charlie Hebdo attack
British mosques serve tea and cake to build bridges after Charlie Hebdo attack

British mosques serve tea and cake to build bridges after Charlie Hebdo attack

Christian school in Pakistan attacked by Charlie Hebdo protesters demanding its closure
Christian school in Pakistan attacked by Charlie Hebdo protesters demanding its closure

Christian school in Pakistan attacked by Charlie Hebdo protesters demanding its closure

Danish editor who published Mohammed cartoons nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Danish editor who published Mohammed cartoons nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Danish editor who published Mohammed cartoons nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

UK parliamentarians call for urgent action on anti-Semitism

UK parliamentarians call for urgent action on anti-Semitism

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.