General

Pakistan logs off Facebook

Government bans networking site after street protests

On Wednesday, Pakistan ordered Internet providers to shut down access to Facebook amidst growing protest over a Facebook page that encourages users to post images of the Prophet Muhammad. The group, “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!” was started in support of the creators of “South Park,” who came under fire from Muslim groups early this year, after depicting the Prophet dressed as a bear in a South Park episode. So is this just another example of high-level government censorship? Not exactly. In the last week, thousands of students have taken to the streets, demanding that the government take action against Facebook. “We love Muhammad. Say No to Facebook,” read one sign at a May 19th protest in Lahore. Other signs threatened Islamic holy war.

Toronto Star

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