The “biggest evil of the world.” Worse than 9/11. Worse than 7/7
An update on this story. Not just Iran is angry, but at least some in our Friend and Ally Pakistan. And they’re calling for blood.
From the Daily Mail, with thanks to all who sent this in:
Salman Rushdie’s knighthood was condemned by a Pakistani minister today as an affront to Muslims which would justify suicide attacks.
Religious affairs minister Mohammed Ijaz ul-Haq reportedly told the parliament in Islamabad: “This is an occasion for the (world’s) 1.5 billion Muslims to look at the seriousness of this decision.
“The West is accusing Muslims of extremism and terrorism.
“If someone exploded a bomb on his body he would be right to do so unless the British Government apologises and withdraws the ‘Sir’ title.”
Later, the remarks were said to have been denied by the minister concerned….
In Pakistan today Muslim students burned effigies of Queen Elizabeth II and Rushdie as the author’s knighthood continued to cause outrage.
In the eastern city of Multan about 100 students set fire to the effigies and carried banners condemning the author while chanting “Kill him! Kill him!”
Also today Pakistani lawmakers passed a government-backed resolution demanding Britain withdraw the honour which they insist is an insult to the religious sentiments of Muslims.