Anti-Islam film row: French embassies and schools in 20 countries set to close on Friday

FRANCE will temporarily close embassies and schools in 20 countries on Friday, following the publication of cartoons of the prophet Muhammad in a French magazine.

• French consular buildings in 20 countries to close on Friday as ‘precaution’

• Planned mass demonstration in Paris refused permission by French police

• Cartoons of prophet Muhammad appeared in French magazine Charlie Hebdo

The cartoons were published in the wake of ongoing protests over the anti-Islamic film The Innocence of Muslims. Security has been increased at French embassies today, and the consular buildings will be closed on Friday, the Muslim day of prayer.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “We have indeed decided as a precautionary measure to close our premises, embassies, consulates, cultural centres and schools.” The French Foreign Minister said he had “sent instructions to all countries where this could pose problems. We are taking specific security measures.”

A protest against the film planned for this Saturday has been denied police approval. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said: “There’s no reason for us to let a conflict that doesn’t concern France come into our country.” Unauthorised protests at the American Embassy last weekend drew over 150 people.

The cartoons were published in magazine Charlie Hebdo, whose offices were firebombed last year. The magazine has been a frequent critic of sensitivity around images of the Muslim prophet.

One of the magazine’s cartoonists defended the publication in an interview with the Associated Press. The cartoonist, known as Tignous, said: “It’s just a drawing. It’s not a provocation.”