ERBIL - A great number of Iraqi demonstrators on Monday gathered outside the French embassy in Baghdad to protest French President Emmanuel Macron's comments on Muslims, burning the foreign country's flag.
AFP cited Aqil al-Kadhemi, a cleric at the rally, as demanding an "apology to all Muslims because the Prophet is a symbol of Islam and Muslims," arguing that visual depictions of him are strictly forbidden in Islam.
"We are demonstrating to denounce and strongly disapprove" of Macron's comments, he said.
"We're surprised that a country such as France, supposedly the bastion of culture and respect for others, continually disrespects more than 1.5 billion Muslims."
Macron's comment of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed has drawn anger among Muslims around the world.
According to the report, the demonstrators set the French flag, as well as posters of President Macron, on fire.