4 Afghans killed during protest against Qur’an desecration

At least four people have been killed and seven others injured during Afghan people’s protest against desecration of the Holy Qur’an in Musa Qala district in the southern Helmand Province.

Provincial Governor’s Spokesman Ahmad Zeerak, said: “Four people have been killed and seven others, including two policemen, have been shot and injured in the clash.”
The Wednesday rally was held to protest against the desecration of the holy Qur’an by a member of the police force in Musa Qala district.
The protest turned violent after police opened fire on the Afghan villagers in reaction to an alleged gunfire by a militant.
Zeerak said it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by the police gunfire.
Local official Mohammad Ismail Hotak said a suspect, who had disguised himself as a police officer, has been arrested in that regard.
Hotak pointed out: “We have a suspect in custody who allegedly went to a mosque last night while wearing a police uniform and desecrated the Holy Qur’an, but our initial information shows he is a member of the Taliban posing as a police.”
Afghan officials say no copy of the Holy Qur’an has been burned.
In February 2012, Afghanistan witnessed days of bloody protests in which about 40 people died, after US forces set fire to copies of the Holy Qur’an.
The incident severely strained Afghanistan-US relations, forcing Barack Obama to apologize.