Tehran – Chanting “Death To Israel” Iranians Protest Prophet Muhammad Cartoon At French Embassy

Tehran, Iran – Hundreds of Iranians demonstrated on Monday outside the French Embassy in Tehran over the cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad on the latest issue of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.

The protesters, mainly students from universities and seminary schools, chanted “Death to France,” alongside traditional slogans such as “Down with U.S.A.” and “Death to Israel.”

Some demanded the French Embassy be closed and the ambassador expelled. They also torched U.S. and Israeli flags. State TV said similar gatherings were held in other Iranian cities.

Iran has condemned the Jan. 7 terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo’s Paris office that left 12 dead. But the country has also criticized the satirical weekly’s first issue after the attack, which shows a drawing of a tearful Prophet Muhammad holding a sign saying “Je suis Charlie.”

Conservative lawmaker Ahmad Tavakoli told the Tehran rally that the attack on Charlie Hebdo was the result of the West’s wrongdoings against Muslims.

“This is the fruit of your own action,” he said, addressing the West.

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