Kabul, Sep 12: The government of Afghanistan today banned access to YouTube to block an anti-Islam film which triggered violence in Egypt and Libya, leading to the death of the US ambassador to Libya in a rocket attack.
The move was aimed at preventing escalation of anti-West protests and to stop people from watching the anti-Islam film, in which the Prophet has been denigrated. This could inflame passions in the troubled country, an official said.
The film, The Innocence of Muslims, has sparked outrage in the Muslim world, particularly in the Middle East.
"Following instructions by the ministry of information and culture, the ministry of communication has ordered all service providers to block YouTube access," communications ministry official Aimal Marjan said.
He said the block had been ordered "until YouTube removes this abusive film".
The Afghan president Hamid Karzai condemned the film as "inhuman and insulting," calling for it not to be broadcast.
It was made by an Israeli-American and describes Islam as a "cancer". It depicts the Prophet Mohammed in a poor light, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The objectionable film has been promoted by controversial US pastor Terry Jones, who has drawn protests for burning the Holy Qoran and vehemently opposing the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York.
The Afghan communications ministry official said the ban may be lifted if YouTube removes the video of the offensive film.
"It seems YouTube has removed all searches for Prophet Mohammed. We may lift the ban soon if it is confirmed that YouTube has banned access to this trailer," Marjan said.
Nearly 40 people were killed earlier this year after some US soldiers burnt copies of the Holy Qoran at a military base .
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