Outcry from Muslim Communities over Salman Rushdie Knighthood

Protests have taken place in Muslim communities worldwide following the recent announcement that controversial author Salman Rushdie is to be awarded a knighthood in the Queen's 81st birthday Honours List.

In particular, Pakistan and Iran have spoken out strongly against the decision, with the Pakistan Government even summoning the British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley to formally protest.

It says that an "utter lack of sensitivity" has been demonstrated in promoting Rushdie in such a way, and that the decision is greatly offensive to Muslims.

In Pakistan, angry public protests have seen Union Jack flags and effigies of Rushdie burnt.

Rushdie's profile rose greatly when his fourth novel - The Satanic Verses, published in 1988 - was greeted with protests and threats against his life from the Islamic community.

At the time, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa ordering Muslims to kill the author due to his severe blasphemy in his writings.

Since that time Rushdie has been living in high security, and police have said four separate attempts to assassinate the author have been uncovered.

The Satanic Verses was inspired by some aspects of the life of the prophet Mohammad and disputed readings of verses in the Koran.