Move follows Muslim
anger that prompted government to block Facebook
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan blocked YouTube and many other Internet
sites Thursday in a widening crackdown on online content deemed offensive to
Islam, reflecting the secular government's sensitivities to an issue that has
ignited protests in the Muslim country.
The
move came a day after the government obeyed a court order to block Facebook
over a page called "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!" that encourages
users to post images of Islam's Prophet Muhammad. Most Muslims regard
depictions of the prophet, even favorable ones, as blasphemous.
Supporters
of an Islamist political party protested against Facebook in at least three
cities in small and peaceful rallies. The government, which is unpopular among
many Islamists for siding with the United States in the war against the Taliban
and al-Qaida, is hoping that the website bans will lessen anger in the days
ahead.
