Innocence of Muslims: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|2012 film by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula}} |
{{short description|2012 film by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula}} |
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{{Infobox film |
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| name = Innocence of Muslims |
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| producer = [[Nakoula Basseley Nakoula|Sam Bacile]] |
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| released = {{Film date|2012|06|23|Vine Theater}} |
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{{Film date|2012|07|02|[[YouTube]]}} |
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| runtime = 14 minutes |
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| country = United States |
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| language = English |
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| budget = $50,000 - $60,000 |
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}} |
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[[File:Criticism of Islam.jpg|thumb|295x295px|Protestors holding signs as a response to ''Innocence of Muslims'']] |
[[File:Criticism of Islam.jpg|thumb|295x295px|Protestors holding signs as a response to ''Innocence of Muslims'']] |
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{{pp-protected|small=yes}} |
{{pp-protected|small=yes}} |
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{{use mdy dates|date=September 2012}} |
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2012}} |
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'''''Innocence of Muslims'''''<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www2.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=415941 |title= Anti-Muslim film got LA County permit for shoot |date= September 20, 2012 |agency= Associated Press |newspaper= Reading Eagle |quote= Anti-Muslim film had permit allowing 1-day shoot at LA County ranch, use of fire, animals |access-date= May 30, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140531123832/http://www2.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=415941 |archive-date= May 31, 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.filmla.com/uploads/NR092012_1348166970.pdf |title= County of Los Angeles Releases Redacted Film Permit for "Desert Warriors" |publisher= FilmLA |date= September 20, 2012 |quote= NOTE: This document has been redacted due to concerns for safety and security of persons and locations |id= f00043012 |access-date= May 30, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140611040319/http://www.filmla.com/uploads/NR092012_1348166970.pdf |archive-date= June 11, 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref> is |
'''''Innocence of Muslims'''''<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www2.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=415941 |title= Anti-Muslim film got LA County permit for shoot |date= September 20, 2012 |agency= Associated Press |newspaper= Reading Eagle |quote= Anti-Muslim film had permit allowing 1-day shoot at LA County ranch, use of fire, animals |access-date= May 30, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140531123832/http://www2.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=415941 |archive-date= May 31, 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.filmla.com/uploads/NR092012_1348166970.pdf |title= County of Los Angeles Releases Redacted Film Permit for "Desert Warriors" |publisher= FilmLA |date= September 20, 2012 |quote= NOTE: This document has been redacted due to concerns for safety and security of persons and locations |id= f00043012 |access-date= May 30, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140611040319/http://www.filmla.com/uploads/NR092012_1348166970.pdf |archive-date= June 11, 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref> is a 2012 [[Islamophobia|anti-Islamic]] short film that was written and produced by [[Nakoula Basseley Nakoula]].<ref name="script">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/anti-islam-film-producer-wrote-script-prison-authorities/story?id=17230609#.UFLmFK4dWVk|title=Anti-Islam Producer Wrote Script in Prison: Authorities, 'Innocence of Muslims' Linked to Violence in Egypt, Libya|work=abcnews.go.com|publisher=ABC News|last1=Esposito |first1=Richard |last2=Ross |first2=Brian |last3=Galli |first3=Cindy |date=September 13, 2012|access-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914052528/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/anti-islam-film-producer-wrote-script-prison-authorities/story?id=17230609#.UFLmFK4dWVk|archive-date=September 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Nissenbaum-Oberman-Orden>{{cite news |title=Behind Video, a Web of Questions |author1=Dion Nissenbaum |author2=James Oberman |author3=Erica Orden |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443884104577647691429314660 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=22 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615163216/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443884104577647691429314660 |archive-date=June 15, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two versions of the 14-minute video were uploaded to [[YouTube]] in July 2012, under the titles "The Real Life of Muhammad" and "Muhammad Movie Trailer".<ref name="Zahos">{{cite news|title= The Art of Defamation|author= Zachary Zahos|url= http://www.cornellsun.com/section/arts/content/2012/09/19/art-defamation|newspaper= The Cornell Daily Sun|date= September 19, 2012|access-date= 22 September 2012|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120919215538/http://cornellsun.com/section/arts/content/2012/09/19/art-defamation|archive-date= September 19, 2012|df= mdy-all}}</ref> Videos [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbed]] in [[Arabic]] were uploaded during early September 2012.<ref name="man linked">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/world/middleeast/man-linked-to-film-in-protests-is-questioned.html?_r=1&ref=internationalrelations|title=Man Linked to Film in Protests Is Questioned|first=Ian|last=Lovett|date=September 15, 2012|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913112630/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/world/middleeast/man-linked-to-film-in-protests-is-questioned.html?_r=1&ref=internationalrelations|archive-date=September 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Anti-Islamic content had been added in [[post-production]] by dubbing, without the actors' knowledge.<ref>{{cite news|title= There-may-be-no-anti-Islamic-movie-at-all|author= Dan Murphy|url= http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2012/0912/There-may-be-no-anti-Islamic-movie-at-all|newspaper= The Christian Science Monitor|date= September 12, 2012|access-date= 22 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120918154900/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2012/0912/There-may-be-no-anti-Islamic-movie-at-all|archive-date= September 18, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> |
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What was perceived as [[Blasphemy|denigration]] of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] resulted in [[Reactions to Innocence of Muslims|demonstrations and violent protests]] against the video to break out on September 11 in Egypt and spread to other Arab and Muslim nations as well as to some western countries. The protests led to hundreds of injuries and over 50 deaths.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/world/anti-islam-film-protests|title=Death, destruction in Pakistan amid protests tied to anti-Islam film|date=September 21, 2012|work=CNN|access-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123065956/http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/world/anti-islam-film-protests|archive-date=November 23, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= |
What was perceived as [[Blasphemy|denigration]] of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]] resulted in [[Reactions to Innocence of Muslims|demonstrations and violent protests]] against the video to break out on September 11 in Egypt and spread to other Arab and Muslim nations as well as to some western countries. The protests led to hundreds of injuries and over 50 deaths.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/world/anti-islam-film-protests|title=Death, destruction in Pakistan amid protests tied to anti-Islam film|date=September 21, 2012|work=CNN|access-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123065956/http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/world/anti-islam-film-protests|archive-date=November 23, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/egypt-newspaper-fights-cartoons-with-cartoons/|title=Egypt newspaper fights cartoons with cartoons|date=September 26, 2012|work=CBS News|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930005408/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57520830/egypt-newspaper-fights-cartoons-with-cartoons/|archive-date=September 30, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-protests-depictions-muhammad-17309212 Latest Protests Against Depictions of Muhammad] retrieved 1 October 2012 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Rice |first1=Susan |title=Tough Love |date=2019 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=New York |page=314}}</ref> [[Fatwa]]s calling for the harm of the video's participants were issued and Pakistani government minister [[Ghulam Ahmad Bilour]] offered a bounty for the killing of Nakoula, the producer.<ref>[http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/political-potpourri/2012/sep/18/fatwa-issued-muslim-cleric-against-participants-an/ Fatwa issued by Muslim cleric against participants in an anti-Islamic film] retrieved 1 October 2012 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004034652/http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/political-potpourri/2012/sep/18/fatwa-issued-muslim-cleric-against-participants-an/ |date=October 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-18/middle-east/33925156_1_muslim-youth-fatwa-cleric Egypt cleric issues fatwa against 'Innocence of Muslims' cast] retrieved 1 October 2012 {{dead link|date=July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 September 2012 |title=Anti-Islam film: US condemns Pakistan minister's bounty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19692971 |work=BBC News |access-date=1 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801020119/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19692971 |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film has sparked debates about [[freedom of speech]] and [[Internet censorship]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Thomas Fenton |date=September 12, 2012 |url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120912/should-innocence-muslims-be-censored |title=Should Innocence of Muslims be censored? |work=Global Post |access-date=3 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001042207/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120912/should-innocence-muslims-be-censored |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Plot and description== |
==Plot and description== |
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The trailer opens with a scene portraying the reportedly increasing [[persecution of Copts]] and poor [[human rights in Egypt|human rights]] in Egypt around the time of the film's production, with increases in church burnings, religious intolerance and sectarian violence against the 10% population of Egypt that are [[Copts]], as well as complaints that authorities have failed to protect this population.<ref>[https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/01/24/egypt-and-libya-year-serious-abuses Egypt and Libya: A Year of Serious Abuses] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704163742/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/01/24/egypt-and-libya-year-serious-abuses |date=July 4, 2011 }}, Human rights watch, January 24, 2010</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' stated: "The trailer opens with scenes of Egyptian security forces standing idle as Muslims pillage and burn the homes of Egyptian Christians. Then it cuts to cartoonish scenes depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a child of uncertain parentage, a buffoon, a womanizer, a homosexual, a child molester, and a greedy, bloodthirsty thug."<ref name=NYC20120912b>{{cite news |author=David D. Kirkpatrick |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/world/middleeast/anger-over-film-fuels-anti-american-attacks-in-libya-and-egypt.html |title=Anger Over a Film Fuels Anti-American Attacks in Libya and Egypt |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913223311/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/world/middleeast/anger-over-film-fuels-anti-american-attacks-in-libya-and-egypt.html |archive-date=September 13, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The trailer opens with a scene portraying the reportedly increasing [[persecution of Copts]] and poor [[human rights in Egypt|human rights]] in Egypt around the time of the film's production, with increases in church burnings, religious intolerance and sectarian violence against the 10% population of Egypt that are [[Copts]], as well as complaints that authorities have failed to protect this population.<ref>[https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/01/24/egypt-and-libya-year-serious-abuses Egypt and Libya: A Year of Serious Abuses] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704163742/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/01/24/egypt-and-libya-year-serious-abuses |date=July 4, 2011 }}, Human rights watch, January 24, 2010</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' stated: "The trailer opens with scenes of Egyptian security forces standing idle as Muslims pillage and burn the homes of Egyptian Christians. Then it cuts to cartoonish scenes depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a child of uncertain parentage, a buffoon, a womanizer, a homosexual, a child molester, and a greedy, bloodthirsty thug."<ref name=NYC20120912b>{{cite news |author=David D. Kirkpatrick |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/world/middleeast/anger-over-film-fuels-anti-american-attacks-in-libya-and-egypt.html |title=Anger Over a Film Fuels Anti-American Attacks in Libya and Egypt |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913223311/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/world/middleeast/anger-over-film-fuels-anti-american-attacks-in-libya-and-egypt.html |archive-date=September 13, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Most references to Islam were [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|overdubbed]] over the original spoken lines after filming had been completed.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 12, 2012 |author=Sarah Abdurrahman |url=http://www.onthemedia.org/blogs/on-the-media/2012/sep/12/religious-references-innocence-muslims-dubbed/ |publisher=On the Media |title=Why Are All the Religious References in "Innocence of Muslims" Dubbed? |access-date=3 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517171422/http://www.onthemedia.org/blogs/on-the-media/2012/sep/12/religious-references-innocence-muslims-dubbed/ |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The film's 80 cast and crew members have disavowed the film: "The entire cast and crew are extremely upset and feel taken advantage of by the producer. ... We are deeply saddened by the tragedies that have occurred."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/12/u-s-ambassador-to-libya-3-others-killed-in-rocket-attack-witness-says/ |title=Pentagon to review video of Libya attack – This Just In – CNN.com Blogs |publisher=News.blogs.cnn.com |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914005201/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/12/u-s-ambassador-to-libya-3-others-killed-in-rocket-attack-witness-says/ |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status= |
Most references to Islam were [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|overdubbed]] over the original spoken lines after filming had been completed.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 12, 2012 |author=Sarah Abdurrahman |url=http://www.onthemedia.org/blogs/on-the-media/2012/sep/12/religious-references-innocence-muslims-dubbed/ |publisher=On the Media |title=Why Are All the Religious References in "Innocence of Muslims" Dubbed? |access-date=3 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517171422/http://www.onthemedia.org/blogs/on-the-media/2012/sep/12/religious-references-innocence-muslims-dubbed/ |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The film's 80 cast and crew members have disavowed the film: "The entire cast and crew are extremely upset and feel taken advantage of by the producer. ... We are deeply saddened by the tragedies that have occurred."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/12/u-s-ambassador-to-libya-3-others-killed-in-rocket-attack-witness-says/ |title=Pentagon to review video of Libya attack – This Just In – CNN.com Blogs |publisher=News.blogs.cnn.com |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914005201/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/12/u-s-ambassador-to-libya-3-others-killed-in-rocket-attack-witness-says/ |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The script was originally about life in Egypt 2,000 years ago and was titled ''Desert Warrior''.<ref name="wired.com">{{cite magazine |author=Noah Shachtman with Robert Beckhusen |url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/anti-islam-flick/ |title=Anti-Islam Filmmaker Went by 'P.J. Tobacco' and 13 Other Names |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722053911/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/anti-islam-flick/ |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was a story about a character called "Master George". Several actors were brought in to [[dubbing (filmmaking)|overdub]] lines. They were directed to say specific words, such as "Muhammad".<ref>{{cite news |author=Marquez, Miguel |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/17/world/anti-islam-filmmaker/index.html |title=Actor: Anti-Islam filmmaker 'was playing us along' |publisher=CNN |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918094530/http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/17/world/anti-islam-filmmaker/index.html |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The script was originally about life in Egypt 2,000 years ago and was titled ''Desert Warrior''.<ref name="wired.com">{{cite magazine |author=Noah Shachtman with Robert Beckhusen |url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/anti-islam-flick/ |title=Anti-Islam Filmmaker Went by 'P.J. Tobacco' and 13 Other Names |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722053911/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/anti-islam-flick/ |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was a story about a character called "Master George". Several actors were brought in to [[dubbing (filmmaking)|overdub]] lines. They were directed to say specific words, such as "Muhammad".<ref>{{cite news |author=Marquez, Miguel |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/17/world/anti-islam-filmmaker/index.html |title=Actor: Anti-Islam filmmaker 'was playing us along' |publisher=CNN |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918094530/http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/17/world/anti-islam-filmmaker/index.html |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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American non-profit Media for Christ obtained [[film permit]]s to shoot the movie in August 2011, and Nakoula provided his home as a set and paid the actors, according to government officials and those involved in the production.<ref name="ryan2012">Ryan, Harriet; Garrison, Jenna (September 13, 2012). [https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-filmmaker-20120914,0,6397127.story Christian charity, ex-con linked to film on Islam.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914185108/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-filmmaker-20120914,0,6397127.story |date=September 14, 2012 }} ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref> Joseph Nassralla Abdelmasih, president of Media for Christ, claimed that the company's name was used without his knowledge. He also stated that the film was edited afterwards without Media's involvement.<ref name=Reuters20120919b>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-protests-activist-idUSBRE88I01T20120919|title=U.S. activist says he was deceived over anti-Muslim film|author=Mark Hosenball|date=September 19, 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929115843/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/19/us-protests-activist-idUSBRE88I01T20120919|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Steve Klein, an [[Islamophobia|anti-Muslim]] and self-styled [[counter-jihad]] activist was hired as a consultant, and was relied on to sharpen the film's Islamophobic framing.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2_LsDwAAQBAJ&dq=nakoula+Counter-jihad&pg=PA153|page=153|title=The Management of Savagery: How America's National Security State Fueled the Rise of Al Qaeda, ISIS, and Donald Trump|first=Max|last=Blumenthal|publisher=Verso|date=2020|isbn=9781788732307}}</ref> Nasralla has however also been noted to have had close ties both to Klein and to the counter-jihad movement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://expo.se/2012/09/filmskapare-kopplas-till-counterjihad-r%C3%B6relsen|title=Filmskapare kopplas till Counterjihad-rörelsen|date=September 14, 2012|work=Expo|language=Swedish}}</ref> Klein later appeared publicly claiming to be the spokesman for the film.<ref name=AP20120914>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/anti-muslim-film-promoter-outspoken-islam-231334129.html|title=Anti-Muslim film promoter outspoken on Islam|date=September 14, 2012|author=Gillian Flaccus|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329195631/http://news.yahoo.com/anti-muslim-film-promoter-outspoken-islam-231334129.html|archive-date=March 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Klein told journalist [[Jeffrey Goldberg]] that despite previous claims, "Bacile" is not a real person and is neither Israeli nor Jewish and that the name is a [[pseudonym]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/muhammad-film-consultant-sam-bacile-is-not-israeli-and-not-a-real-name/262290/ |title=Muhammad Film Consultant: 'Sam Bacile' is Not Israeli, and Not a Real Name – Jeffrey Goldberg |magazine=The Atlantic |date=August 20, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912202024/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/muhammad-film-consultant-sam-bacile-is-not-israeli-and-not-a-real-name/262290/ |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli authorities found no sign of his being an Israeli citizen,<ref name="what we know">{{cite news |last=Peralta |first=Eyder |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/12/161003427/what-we-know-about-sam-bacile-the-man-behind-the-muhammad-movie |title=What We Know About Sam Bacile, The Man Behind The Muhammad Movie : The Two-Way |publisher=NPR |access-date=September 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502122551/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/12/161003427/what-we-know-about-sam-bacile-the-man-behind-the-muhammad-movie |archive-date=May 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and there was no indication of a "Sam Bacile" living in California or participating in [[Hollywood (film industry)|Hollywood]] filmmaking.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/sam-bacile-identity-doubted-2012-9#ixzz26IU8DAIi |title=Sam Bacile Identity Doubted |website=Business Insider |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914044503/http://www.businessinsider.com/sam-bacile-identity-doubted-2012-9#ixzz26IU8DAIi |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
American non-profit Media for Christ obtained [[film permit]]s to shoot the movie in August 2011, and Nakoula provided his home as a set and paid the actors, according to government officials and those involved in the production.<ref name="ryan2012">Ryan, Harriet; Garrison, Jenna (September 13, 2012). [https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-filmmaker-20120914,0,6397127.story Christian charity, ex-con linked to film on Islam.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914185108/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-filmmaker-20120914,0,6397127.story |date=September 14, 2012 }} ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref> Joseph Nassralla Abdelmasih, president of Media for Christ, claimed that the company's name was used without his knowledge. He also stated that the film was edited afterwards without Media's involvement.<ref name=Reuters20120919b>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-protests-activist-idUSBRE88I01T20120919|title=U.S. activist says he was deceived over anti-Muslim film|author=Mark Hosenball|date=September 19, 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929115843/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/19/us-protests-activist-idUSBRE88I01T20120919|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Steve Klein, an [[Islamophobia|anti-Muslim]] and self-styled [[counter-jihad]] activist was hired as a consultant, and was relied on to sharpen the film's Islamophobic framing.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2_LsDwAAQBAJ&dq=nakoula+Counter-jihad&pg=PA153|page=153|title=The Management of Savagery: How America's National Security State Fueled the Rise of Al Qaeda, ISIS, and Donald Trump|first=Max|last=Blumenthal|publisher=Verso|date=2020|isbn=9781788732307}}</ref> Nasralla has however also been noted to have had close ties both to Klein and to the counter-jihad movement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://expo.se/2012/09/filmskapare-kopplas-till-counterjihad-r%C3%B6relsen|title=Filmskapare kopplas till Counterjihad-rörelsen|date=September 14, 2012|work=Expo|language=Swedish}}</ref> Klein later appeared publicly claiming to be the spokesman for the film.<ref name=AP20120914>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/anti-muslim-film-promoter-outspoken-islam-231334129.html|title=Anti-Muslim film promoter outspoken on Islam|date=September 14, 2012|author=Gillian Flaccus|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329195631/http://news.yahoo.com/anti-muslim-film-promoter-outspoken-islam-231334129.html|archive-date=March 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Klein told journalist [[Jeffrey Goldberg]] that despite previous claims, "Bacile" is not a real person and is neither Israeli nor Jewish and that the name is a [[pseudonym]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/muhammad-film-consultant-sam-bacile-is-not-israeli-and-not-a-real-name/262290/ |title=Muhammad Film Consultant: 'Sam Bacile' is Not Israeli, and Not a Real Name – Jeffrey Goldberg |magazine=The Atlantic |date=August 20, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912202024/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/muhammad-film-consultant-sam-bacile-is-not-israeli-and-not-a-real-name/262290/ |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli authorities found no sign of his being an Israeli citizen,<ref name="what we know">{{cite news |last=Peralta |first=Eyder |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/12/161003427/what-we-know-about-sam-bacile-the-man-behind-the-muhammad-movie |title=What We Know About Sam Bacile, The Man Behind The Muhammad Movie : The Two-Way |publisher=NPR |access-date=September 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502122551/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/12/161003427/what-we-know-about-sam-bacile-the-man-behind-the-muhammad-movie |archive-date=May 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and there was no indication of a "Sam Bacile" living in California or participating in [[Hollywood (film industry)|Hollywood]] filmmaking.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/sam-bacile-identity-doubted-2012-9#ixzz26IU8DAIi |title=Sam Bacile Identity Doubted |website=Business Insider |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914044503/http://www.businessinsider.com/sam-bacile-identity-doubted-2012-9#ixzz26IU8DAIi |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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By September 13, 2012, "Sam Bacile" was identified as [[Nakoula Basseley Nakoula]], a 55-year-old [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Coptic Christian]] from [[Egypt]] living near Los Angeles, [[California]],<ref name=twice>{{cite news|title= Was 'Innocence of Muslims' directed by a porn producer?|author= Richard Verrier|url= https:// |
By September 13, 2012, "Sam Bacile" was identified as [[Nakoula Basseley Nakoula]], a 55-year-old [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Coptic Christian]] from [[Egypt]] living near Los Angeles, [[California]],<ref name=twice>{{cite news|title= Was 'Innocence of Muslims' directed by a porn producer?|author= Richard Verrier|url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-sep-14-lat-et-ct-porn-innocence-muslims-20120914-story.html|newspaper= Los Angeles Times|date= September 14, 2012|access-date= 22 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120919160610/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/14/entertainment/lat-et-ct-porn-innocence-muslims-20120914|archive-date= September 19, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> with known aliases.<ref name="makarechi">{{cite news|title= Alan Roberts & 'Innocence Of Muslims': Softcore Porn Director Linked To Anti-Islam Film|author= Kia Makarechi|url= https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/alan-roberts-innocence-of-muslims_n_1885758.html|newspaper= The Huffington Post|date= 14 September 2012|access-date= 22 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120917060848/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/alan-roberts-innocence-of-muslims_n_1885758.html|archive-date= September 17, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> In the 1990s, he served time in prison for manufacturing [[methamphetamine]].<ref name=twice/><ref name="Confirms"/> He pleaded ''no contest'' in 2010 to [[bank fraud]] charges, was sentenced to 21 months in prison,<ref name=twice/><ref name="Confirms">{{cite magazine|url=http://nation.time.com/2012/09/12/california-man-confirms-role-in-anti-islam-film/ |title=California Man Confirms Role in Anti-Islam Film |magazine=Time |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916002219/http://nation.time.com/2012/09/12/california-man-confirms-role-in-anti-islam-film/ |archive-date=September 16, 2012 }}</ref> and was released on [[probation]] in June 2011.<ref name="inmatefinder">{{cite news | url=http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&FirstName=Nakoula+&Middle=Basseley&LastName=Nakoula&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=50&y=8 | title=Locate a Federal Inmate: Nakoula Basseley Nakoula | publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Prisons]] | year=2012 | access-date=September 12, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916234702/http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&FirstName=Nakoula+&Middle=Basseley&LastName=Nakoula&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=50&y=8 | archive-date=September 16, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> Nakoula claims to have written the script while in prison and raised between $50,000 and $60,000 from his wife's family in Egypt to finance the film.<ref name="script"/><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/alleged-anti-muslim-film-producer-convictions-drugs-fraud.html|title=Alleged anti-Muslim film producer has drug, fraud convictions|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=September 13, 2012|access-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917020258/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/alleged-anti-muslim-film-producer-convictions-drugs-fraud.html|archive-date=September 17, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[FBI]] contacted him due to the potential for threats, but said he was not under investigation.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news |author1=Moni Basu |author2=Chelsea J. Carter |url=http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/world/sam-bacile-or-nakoula-basseley-nakoula-federal-officials-consider-nakoula-as-man-behind-the-film#ixzz26TEsCMjR |title=Sam Bacile or Nakoula Basseley Nakoula? Federal officials consider Nakoula as man behind the film |publisher=WPTV |agency=CNN |date=September 14, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916225326/http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/world/sam-bacile-or-nakoula-basseley-nakoula-federal-officials-consider-nakoula-as-man-behind-the-film#ixzz26TEsCMjR |archive-date=September 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On September 27, 2012, U.S. federal authorities arrested Nakoula in Los Angeles for suspicion of violating terms of his probation. Violations included making false statements regarding his role in the film and his use of the alias "Sam Bacile". On November 7, 2012, Nakoula pleaded guilty to four of the charges against him and was sentenced to one year in prison and four years of [[parole|supervised release]].<ref name="Kim, Victoria"/><ref name="thesmokinggun.com"/> |
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Law professor [[Stephen L. Carter]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Stephen L.|title=Anti-Muslim video incendiary but protected|url=http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120923/OPINION/120929869/1010/|access-date=23 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Press Democrat]]|date=23 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116173437/http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120923/OPINION/120929869/1010/|archive-date=November 16, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and constitutional law expert [[Floyd Abrams]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Abrams|first=Floyd|title=Should YouTube Have Taken Down Incendiary Anti-Muslim Video?|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/20/should-youtube-have-taken-down-incendiary-anti-muslim-video.html|access-date=23 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Beast]]|date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923171708/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/20/should-youtube-have-taken-down-incendiary-anti-muslim-video.html|archive-date=September 23, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> have each stated that the government cannot prosecute the film's producer for its ''content'' because of the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution]], which protects [[freedom of speech in the United States]]. |
Law professor [[Stephen L. Carter]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Stephen L.|title=Anti-Muslim video incendiary but protected|url=http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120923/OPINION/120929869/1010/|access-date=23 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Press Democrat]]|date=23 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116173437/http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120923/OPINION/120929869/1010/|archive-date=November 16, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and constitutional law expert [[Floyd Abrams]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Abrams|first=Floyd|title=Should YouTube Have Taken Down Incendiary Anti-Muslim Video?|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/20/should-youtube-have-taken-down-incendiary-anti-muslim-video.html|access-date=23 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Beast]]|date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923171708/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/20/should-youtube-have-taken-down-incendiary-anti-muslim-video.html|archive-date=September 23, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> have each stated that the government cannot prosecute the film's producer for its ''content'' because of the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution]], which protects [[freedom of speech in the United States]]. |
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[[File:Hollywood Vine Theatre.jpg|thumb|left|Vine Theater, Hollywood, California, where the single screening took place]] |
[[File:Hollywood Vine Theatre.jpg|thumb|left|Vine Theater, Hollywood, California, where the single screening took place]] |
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The video production "Innocence of Bin Laden" was advertised in the [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]]-based newspaper ''Arab World'' during May and June 2012. The advertisement cost $300 to run three times in the paper and was paid by an individual identified only as "Joseph". The advertisements were noted by the [[Anti-Defamation League]] (ADL), whose Islamic affairs director stated, "When we saw the advertisement in the paper, we were interested in knowing if it was some kind of pro-jihadist movie." Brian Donnelly, a guide for a Los Angeles based tour of famous crime scenes who noticed the poster advertising at the Vine Theater, said, "I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. We didn't know what it was about because we can't read Arabic."<ref>{{cite news|title= California Muslims hold vigil for slain ambassador|author1= Mona Shadia|author2= Harriet Ryan|url= https:// |
The video production "Innocence of Bin Laden" was advertised in the [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]]-based newspaper ''Arab World'' during May and June 2012. The advertisement cost $300 to run three times in the paper and was paid by an individual identified only as "Joseph". The advertisements were noted by the [[Anti-Defamation League]] (ADL), whose Islamic affairs director stated, "When we saw the advertisement in the paper, we were interested in knowing if it was some kind of pro-jihadist movie." Brian Donnelly, a guide for a Los Angeles based tour of famous crime scenes who noticed the poster advertising at the Vine Theater, said, "I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. We didn't know what it was about because we can't read Arabic."<ref>{{cite news|title= California Muslims hold vigil for slain ambassador|author1= Mona Shadia|author2= Harriet Ryan|url= https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2012-sep-15-la-me-anti-muslim-film-20120915-story.html|newspaper= Los Angeles Times|date= 2012-09-15|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150214234627/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/15/local/la-me-anti-muslim-film-20120915|archive-date= February 14, 2015|url-status= live}}</ref> The earlier version of the film was screened once at the Vine Theater of June 23, 2012 to an audience of only ten people. The film had no subtitles and was presented in English. An employee of the theater stated, "The film we screened was titled ''The Innocence of Bin Laden''", and added that it was a "small viewing".<ref>{{cite news|title= 'Innocence of Muslims' producer's identity in question; actors say they were duped, overdubbed|author= Hollie McKay|url= http://www.FoxNews.com/entertainment/2012/09/13/innocence-muslims-producer-identity-questioned-actors-say-were-duped/#ixzz26gzOeA5V|publisher= Fox News|date= September 13, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120917014012/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/09/13/innocence-muslims-producer-identity-questioned-actors-say-were-duped/#ixzz26gzOeA5V|archive-date= September 17, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> |
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A second screening was planned for June 30, 2012. A local Hollywood blogger, John Walsh, attended a June 29 [[Los Angeles City Council]] meeting, where he raised his concerns about the title of a film to be screened that appeared to support the leader of al-Qaeda. He said "There is an alarming event occurring in Hollywood on Saturday. A group has rented the Vine Street theater to show a video entitled ''Innocence of Bin Laden''. We have no idea what this group is." The blog site reported that the June 30 screening had been canceled.<ref>{{cite news |title= Anti-Muslim film screening: L.A. gadfly tried to warn city leaders |author1= Jessica Garrison |author2= Sam Quinones |url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/la-gadfly-tried-to-warn-city-leaders-of-anti-muslim-film-screening.html |newspaper= Los Angeles Times |date= September 13, 2012 |access-date= September 17, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120915015217/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/la-gadfly-tried-to-warn-city-leaders-of-anti-muslim-film-screening.html |archive-date= September 15, 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= L.A. Blogger Alerted City Council To Anti-Islam Film In June|author= Eric Lach|url= http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/blogger_alerted_film_innocence_of_bin_laden.php|newspaper= TPM|date= September 13, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120916010140/http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/blogger_alerted_film_innocence_of_bin_laden.php|archive-date= September 16, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> A [[Current TV]] producer photographed the poster while it was being displayed at the theater as advertising to later discuss on the talk show ''[[The Young Turks (talk show)|The Young Turks]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title= White House presses YouTube on 'Muslims' pic|author= Ted Johnson|url= https:// |
A second screening was planned for June 30, 2012. A local Hollywood blogger, John Walsh, attended a June 29 [[Los Angeles City Council]] meeting, where he raised his concerns about the title of a film to be screened that appeared to support the leader of al-Qaeda. He said "There is an alarming event occurring in Hollywood on Saturday. A group has rented the Vine Street theater to show a video entitled ''Innocence of Bin Laden''. We have no idea what this group is." The blog site reported that the June 30 screening had been canceled.<ref>{{cite news |title= Anti-Muslim film screening: L.A. gadfly tried to warn city leaders |author1= Jessica Garrison |author2= Sam Quinones |url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/la-gadfly-tried-to-warn-city-leaders-of-anti-muslim-film-screening.html |newspaper= Los Angeles Times |date= September 13, 2012 |access-date= September 17, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120915015217/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/la-gadfly-tried-to-warn-city-leaders-of-anti-muslim-film-screening.html |archive-date= September 15, 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= L.A. Blogger Alerted City Council To Anti-Islam Film In June|author= Eric Lach|url= http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/blogger_alerted_film_innocence_of_bin_laden.php|newspaper= TPM|date= September 13, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120916010140/http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/blogger_alerted_film_innocence_of_bin_laden.php|archive-date= September 16, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> A [[Current TV]] producer photographed the poster while it was being displayed at the theater as advertising to later discuss on the talk show ''[[The Young Turks (talk show)|The Young Turks]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title= White House presses YouTube on 'Muslims' pic|author= Ted Johnson|url= https://variety.com/2012/digital/news/white-house-presses-youtube-on-muslims-pic-1118059307/|newspaper= Variety|date= September 14, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130116133604/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118059307/?refCatId=13|archive-date= January 16, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref> The poster did not denigrate Muslims, but rather referred to "my Muslim brother". In a translation provided by the ADL, the poster stated it would reveal "the real terrorist who caused the killing of our children in Palestine, and our brothers in Iraq and Afghanistan",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2012-sep-15-la-me-anti-muslim-film-20120915-story.html|title=California Muslims hold vigil for slain ambassador|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214234627/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/15/local/la-me-anti-muslim-film-20120915|archive-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> a phrase that has been used by Palestinians to protest U.S. support of Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/packages/sept11/anniversary/globe_stories/091202_mideast.htm|title=Boston.com / Sept. 11|access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506054056/http://www.boston.com/news/packages/sept11/anniversary/globe_stories/091202_mideast.htm|archive-date=May 6, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Innocence of bn Laden movie poster.jpg|thumb|Movie poster for ''Innocence of Bn Laden'' {{sic}} at the Vine Theater, June 2012 |
[[File:Innocence of bn Laden movie poster.jpg|thumb|Movie poster for ''Innocence of Bn Laden'' {{sic}} at the Vine Theater, June 2012]] |
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The film was supported and promoted by pastor [[Terry Jones (pastor)|Terry Jones]], known for a [[Dove World Outreach Center Quran-burning controversy|Quran-burning controversy]], which also led to riots around the world.<ref>[http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-12/news/os-terry-jones-movie-embassy-bombing-20120912_1_florida-pastor-islam-protests Terry Jones supports movie behind embassy bombing protests] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022194235/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-12/news/os-terry-jones-movie-embassy-bombing-20120912_1_florida-pastor-islam-protests |date=October 22, 2012 }} retrieved 7 October 2012</ref> Jones said that he planned to show a 13-minute trailer at his church, the [[Dove World Outreach Center]] in [[Gainesville, Florida|Gainesville]], Florida, on September 11, 2012.<ref name="ynet">{{cite news|title= American Killed in Libya Attack|work= [[Ynetnews]]|url= http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4280316,00.html|access-date= September 12, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120912233103/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4280316,00.html|archive-date= September 12, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> It was reported on September 14, 2012, that a planned screening by a [[Hindu]] organization in Toronto would be coupled with "snippets from other movies that are offensive to Christians and Hindus". Because of security concerns, no public venue was willing to show the film, although the group still planned on showing the film in the future to a private audience of about 200 people.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/09/14/20200506.html|title=Toronto Hindu group plans screening of Innocence of Muslims|date=September 14, 2012|publisher=QMI Agency|author=Tom Godfrey|access-date=September 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101020353/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/09/14/20200506.html|archive-date=January 1, 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Toronto 2012: Canadian Hindu Group Plans Screening of Controversial Anti-Islam Film|author= Etan Vlessing|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-hindu-innocence-of-muslims-screening-370570|newspaper= The Hollywood Reporter|date= September 14, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120916143708/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-hindu-innocence-of-muslims-screening-370570|archive-date= September 16, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> Siobhán Dowling of ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that "a far-right Islamophobic group in Germany", the [[Pro Germany Citizens' Movement]], had uploaded the trailer on their own website and wanted to show the entire film, but authorities were attempting to prevent it.<ref>{{cite news|title= Far-right German group plans to show anti-Islamic film|author= Siobhán Dowling|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/16/germany-group-anti-islamic-film?newsfeed=true|newspaper= guardiannews.com|date= September 16, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|location= London|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160203202645/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/16/germany-group-anti-islamic-film?newsfeed=true|archive-date= February 3, 2016|url-status= live}}</ref> |
The film was supported and promoted by pastor [[Terry Jones (pastor)|Terry Jones]], known for a [[Dove World Outreach Center Quran-burning controversy|Quran-burning controversy]], which also led to riots around the world.<ref>[http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-12/news/os-terry-jones-movie-embassy-bombing-20120912_1_florida-pastor-islam-protests Terry Jones supports movie behind embassy bombing protests] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022194235/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-12/news/os-terry-jones-movie-embassy-bombing-20120912_1_florida-pastor-islam-protests |date=October 22, 2012 }} retrieved 7 October 2012</ref> Jones said that he planned to show a 13-minute trailer at his church, the [[Dove World Outreach Center]] in [[Gainesville, Florida|Gainesville]], Florida, on September 11, 2012.<ref name="ynet">{{cite news|title= American Killed in Libya Attack|work= [[Ynetnews]]|url= http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4280316,00.html|access-date= September 12, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120912233103/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4280316,00.html|archive-date= September 12, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> It was reported on September 14, 2012, that a planned screening by a [[Hindu]] organization in Toronto would be coupled with "snippets from other movies that are offensive to Christians and Hindus". Because of security concerns, no public venue was willing to show the film, although the group still planned on showing the film in the future to a private audience of about 200 people.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/09/14/20200506.html|title=Toronto Hindu group plans screening of Innocence of Muslims|date=September 14, 2012|publisher=QMI Agency|author=Tom Godfrey|access-date=September 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101020353/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/09/14/20200506.html|archive-date=January 1, 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Toronto 2012: Canadian Hindu Group Plans Screening of Controversial Anti-Islam Film|author= Etan Vlessing|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-hindu-innocence-of-muslims-screening-370570|newspaper= The Hollywood Reporter|date= September 14, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120916143708/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-hindu-innocence-of-muslims-screening-370570|archive-date= September 16, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> Siobhán Dowling of ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that "a far-right Islamophobic group in Germany", the [[Pro Germany Citizens' Movement]], had uploaded the trailer on their own website and wanted to show the entire film, but authorities were attempting to prevent it.<ref>{{cite news|title= Far-right German group plans to show anti-Islamic film|author= Siobhán Dowling|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/16/germany-group-anti-islamic-film?newsfeed=true|newspaper= guardiannews.com|date= September 16, 2012|access-date= September 17, 2012|location= London|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160203202645/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/16/germany-group-anti-islamic-film?newsfeed=true|archive-date= February 3, 2016|url-status= live}}</ref> |
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The video clips were posted to [[YouTube]] on July 1 by user "sam bacile";<ref name="Zahos" /> however, by September, the film had been dubbed into [[Arabic]] and was drawn to the attention of the Arabic-speaking world by blogger [[Morris Sadek]]. Sadek's own Egyptian citizenship had been revoked.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html|title=US envoy dies in Benghazi consulate attack|date=September 12, 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912034153/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html|archive-date=September 12, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A two-minute excerpt dubbed in Arabic was broadcast on September 9 by [[Sheikh Khalad Abdalla]].<ref name="Giglio">{{cite web|title= Complaint Against Egyptian TV Host Who Aired 'Innocence of Muslims' Raises Free Speech Issue|author= Mike Giglio|url= http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/21/complaint-against-egyptian-tv-host-who-aired-innocence-of-muslims-raises-free-speech-issue.html|website= The Daily Beast|date= Sep 21, 2012|access-date= 22 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130621235849/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/21/complaint-against-egyptian-tv-host-who-aired-innocence-of-muslims-raises-free-speech-issue.html|archive-date= June 21, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=Atlantic20120911>{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/the-movie-so-offensive-that-egyptians-just-stormed-the-us-embassy-over-it/262225/|title=The Movie So Offensive That Egyptians Just Stormed the U.S. Embassy Over It|author=Max Fisher|date=September 11, 2012|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015632/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/the-movie-so-offensive-that-egyptians-just-stormed-the-us-embassy-over-it/262225/|archive-date=March 22, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
The video clips were posted to [[YouTube]] on July 1 by user "sam bacile";<ref name="Zahos" /> however, by September, the film had been dubbed into [[Arabic]] and was drawn to the attention of the Arabic-speaking world by blogger [[Morris Sadek]]. Sadek's own Egyptian citizenship had been revoked.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html|title=US envoy dies in Benghazi consulate attack|date=September 12, 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912034153/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html|archive-date=September 12, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A two-minute excerpt dubbed in Arabic was broadcast on September 9 by [[Sheikh Khalad Abdalla]].<ref name="Giglio">{{cite web|title= Complaint Against Egyptian TV Host Who Aired 'Innocence of Muslims' Raises Free Speech Issue|author= Mike Giglio|url= http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/21/complaint-against-egyptian-tv-host-who-aired-innocence-of-muslims-raises-free-speech-issue.html|website= The Daily Beast|date= Sep 21, 2012|access-date= 22 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130621235849/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/21/complaint-against-egyptian-tv-host-who-aired-innocence-of-muslims-raises-free-speech-issue.html|archive-date= June 21, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=Atlantic20120911>{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/the-movie-so-offensive-that-egyptians-just-stormed-the-us-embassy-over-it/262225/|title=The Movie So Offensive That Egyptians Just Stormed the U.S. Embassy Over It|author=Max Fisher|date=September 11, 2012|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015632/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/09/the-movie-so-offensive-that-egyptians-just-stormed-the-us-embassy-over-it/262225/|archive-date=March 22, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[YouTube]] voluntarily blocked the video in Egypt and Libya, and blocked the video in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, India, and Singapore due to local laws, while Turkey, Brazil, and Russia initiated steps to get the video blocked.<ref>{{cite news |title=Google blocks Singapore access to anti-Islam film |url=http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-asks-google-block-access-islam-film-054710633.html |newspaper=Yahoo! News |date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922233110/http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-asks-google-block-access-islam-film-054710633.html |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nytimes-youtube-rethink">[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/middleeast/google-wont-rethink-anti-islam-videos-status.html Google Has No Plans to Rethink Video Status] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518000058/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/middleeast/google-wont-rethink-anti-islam-videos-status.html |date=May 18, 2017 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 14, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=54576|title=.:Middle East Online::Turkey seeks to ban online access to anti-Islam movie:.|access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214231301/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=54576|archive-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><!--<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/brazilian-court-bans-antiislam-film-from-youtube-20120927-26mdf.html|title=The Innocence Of Muslims - Brazilian court bans anti-Islam film|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russian-court-outlaws-anti-islam-film-17349187#.UGarCq4Uy00|title=International News - World News - ABC News|author=ABC News|work=ABC News|access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref>--> [[Google, Inc.]], the owner of YouTube, also blocked the video in Libya and Egypt citing "the very difficult situation" in those countries.<ref>{{cite news |title=Google blocks video clips in Egypt, Libya amid concerns over anti-Islam film |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/09/13/237659.html |newspaper=Al Arabiya |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116040654/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/09/13/237659.html |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2012, the governments of [[Government of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], [[Government of Bangladesh|Bangladesh]], [[Government of Sudan|Sudan]], and [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistan]] blocked YouTube for not removing the video, saying that the website would remain suspended until the film was removed.<ref>{{cite news |title=YouTube blocked in Pakistan for not removing anti-Islam film |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/youtube-blocked-in-pakistan-for-not-removing-anti-islam-film-268570 |publisher=New Delhi Television (NDTV) |location=New Delhi |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918025124/http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/youtube-blocked-in-pakistan-for-not-removing-anti-islam-film-268570 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Rory Mulholland, [https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEql189f07mdaMJPS5SHELZDmbeA?docId=CNG.5d0929a97b73a9337932fa47a377d46b.311 Fresh protests as prophet cartoons fuel Muslim fury] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225160441/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEql189f07mdaMJPS5SHELZDmbeA?docId=CNG.5d0929a97b73a9337932fa47a377d46b.311 |date=February 25, 2014 }}, AFP.</ref><ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/news/internet/YouTube-links-to-anti-Islam-film-blocked-in-Jordan/articleshow/16525579.cms |title=YouTube links to anti-Islam film blocked in Jordan |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=September 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927213814/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/news/internet/YouTube-links-to-anti-Islam-film-blocked-in-Jordan/articleshow/16525579.cms |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Government authorities in Chechnya and |
[[YouTube]] voluntarily blocked the video in Egypt and Libya, and blocked the video in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, India, and Singapore due to local laws, while Turkey, Brazil, and Russia initiated steps to get the video blocked.<ref>{{cite news |title=Google blocks Singapore access to anti-Islam film |url=http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-asks-google-block-access-islam-film-054710633.html |newspaper=Yahoo! News |date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922233110/http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-asks-google-block-access-islam-film-054710633.html |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nytimes-youtube-rethink">[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/middleeast/google-wont-rethink-anti-islam-videos-status.html Google Has No Plans to Rethink Video Status] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518000058/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/middleeast/google-wont-rethink-anti-islam-videos-status.html |date=May 18, 2017 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 14, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=54576|title=.:Middle East Online::Turkey seeks to ban online access to anti-Islam movie:.|access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214231301/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=54576|archive-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><!--<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/brazilian-court-bans-antiislam-film-from-youtube-20120927-26mdf.html|title=The Innocence Of Muslims - Brazilian court bans anti-Islam film|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russian-court-outlaws-anti-islam-film-17349187#.UGarCq4Uy00|title=International News - World News - ABC News|author=ABC News|work=ABC News|access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref>--> [[Google, Inc.]], the owner of YouTube, also blocked the video in Libya and Egypt citing "the very difficult situation" in those countries.<ref>{{cite news |title=Google blocks video clips in Egypt, Libya amid concerns over anti-Islam film |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/09/13/237659.html |newspaper=Al Arabiya |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116040654/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/09/13/237659.html |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2012, the governments of [[Government of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], [[Government of Bangladesh|Bangladesh]], [[Government of Sudan|Sudan]], and [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistan]] blocked YouTube for not removing the video, saying that the website would remain suspended until the film was removed.<ref>{{cite news |title=YouTube blocked in Pakistan for not removing anti-Islam film |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/youtube-blocked-in-pakistan-for-not-removing-anti-islam-film-268570 |publisher=New Delhi Television (NDTV) |location=New Delhi |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918025124/http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/youtube-blocked-in-pakistan-for-not-removing-anti-islam-film-268570 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Rory Mulholland, [https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEql189f07mdaMJPS5SHELZDmbeA?docId=CNG.5d0929a97b73a9337932fa47a377d46b.311 Fresh protests as prophet cartoons fuel Muslim fury] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225160441/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEql189f07mdaMJPS5SHELZDmbeA?docId=CNG.5d0929a97b73a9337932fa47a377d46b.311 |date=February 25, 2014 }}, AFP.</ref><ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/news/internet/YouTube-links-to-anti-Islam-film-blocked-in-Jordan/articleshow/16525579.cms |title=YouTube links to anti-Islam film blocked in Jordan |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=September 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927213814/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/news/internet/YouTube-links-to-anti-Islam-film-blocked-in-Jordan/articleshow/16525579.cms |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Government authorities in [[Chechnya]] and [[Dagestan]] issued orders to internet providers to block YouTube, and Iran announced that it was blocking Google and Gmail.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/internet-providers-in-chechnya-instructed-to-block-youtube-anti-islam-film/24718583.html|title=Internet Providers In Chechnya Instructed To Block YouTube Over Anti-Islam Film|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date=September 24, 2012 |access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108112649/http://www.rferl.org/content/internet-providers-in-chechnya-instructed-to-block-youtube-anti-islam-film/24718583.html|archive-date=January 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/daghestan-isp-blocks-internet-youtube-over-antiislamic-film/24718121.html|title=Daghestan ISP Blocks YouTube Over Anti-Islamic Film|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date=September 24, 2012 |access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112222658/http://www.rferl.org/content/daghestan-isp-blocks-internet-youtube-over-antiislamic-film/24718121.html|archive-date=January 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/09/24/94-Iran-to-block-access-to-Google-Gmail-amid-anti-Islam-film-protests-.html|title=Iran to block access to Google, Gmail amid anti-Islam film protests|access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214224623/http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/09/24/94-Iran-to-block-access-to-Google-Gmail-amid-anti-Islam-film-protests-.html|archive-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Google also agreed to block the anti-Islamic movie in Jordan.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/> |
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The [[White House]] asked YouTube to review whether to continue hosting the video at all under the company's policies. YouTube said the video fell within its guidelines as the video is against Islam, but not against [[Muslim people]], and thus not considered "hate speech".<ref name="nytimes-youtube-rethink" /> [[Ben Wizner]] of the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] said of this, "It does make us nervous when the government throws its weight behind any requests for censorship."<ref name = "Politico September 14, 2012">[http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2012/09/activists-troubled-by-white-house-call-to-youtube-135618.html Activists troubled by White House call to YouTube] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531165649/http://www.politico.com//blogs/under-the-radar/2012/09/activists-troubled-by-white-house-call-to-youtube-135618.html |date=May 31, 2013 }}, Politico, September 14, 2012</ref> |
The [[White House]] asked YouTube to review whether to continue hosting the video at all under the company's policies. YouTube said the video fell within its guidelines as the video is against Islam, but not against [[Muslim people]], and thus not considered "hate speech".<ref name="nytimes-youtube-rethink" /> [[Ben Wizner]] of the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] said of this, "It does make us nervous when the government throws its weight behind any requests for censorship."<ref name = "Politico September 14, 2012">[http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2012/09/activists-troubled-by-white-house-call-to-youtube-135618.html Activists troubled by White House call to YouTube] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531165649/http://www.politico.com//blogs/under-the-radar/2012/09/activists-troubled-by-white-house-call-to-youtube-135618.html |date=May 31, 2013 }}, Politico, September 14, 2012</ref> |
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[[File:Anti-Islam Film protests (8009237593).jpg|thumb|Protesters in [[Kuala Lumpur]] take to the streets to demonstrate against the film.]] |
[[File:Anti-Islam Film protests (8009237593).jpg|thumb|Protesters in [[Kuala Lumpur]] take to the streets to demonstrate against the film.]] |
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Protests were held in many nations, through Islamic countries in the Middle East,<ref name="in.reuters">{{cite news|last=al-Salhy|first=Suadad|title=Iraqi militia threatens U.S. interests over film|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/iraq-usa-threat-idINL5E8KD83Y20120913|access-date=September 13, 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013203617/http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/13/iraq-usa-threat-idINL5E8KD83Y20120913|archive-date=October 13, 2012|url-status= |
Protests were held in many nations, through Islamic countries in the Middle East,<ref name="in.reuters">{{cite news|last=al-Salhy|first=Suadad|title=Iraqi militia threatens U.S. interests over film|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/iraq-usa-threat-idINL5E8KD83Y20120913|access-date=September 13, 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013203617/http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/13/iraq-usa-threat-idINL5E8KD83Y20120913|archive-date=October 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=nyt1>{{cite news|title=Anti-American Protests Over Film Expand to More Than a Dozen Countries|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/middleeast/anti-american-protests-over-film-enter-4th-day.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all&|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 14, 2012|first=Rick|last=Gladstone|date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107223934/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/middleeast/anti-american-protests-over-film-enter-4th-day.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all&|archive-date=January 7, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Asia,<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news|title=Anti-Islam film protests escalate|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19602177|publisher=BBC|access-date=September 14, 2012|date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914184428/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19602177|archive-date=September 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190423102814/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/hundreds-of-angry-afghans-protest-anti-islam-film-in-eastern-afghanistan/2012/09/14/5865d1b4-fe5c-11e1-98c6-ec0a0a93f8eb_story.html Hundreds of angry Afghans protest anti-Islam film in eastern Afghanistan – ''The Washington Post''<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and Africa<ref name="bbc1"/> as well as the United Kingdom,<ref name="bbc1"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9544579/Protesters-burn-flags-outside-US-embassy-in-London.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Protesters burn flags outside US embassy in London | date=September 14, 2012 | access-date=April 3, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511132950/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9544579/Protesters-burn-flags-outside-US-embassy-in-London.html | archive-date=May 11, 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref> France,<ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/100-protest-anti-islam-film-u-s-embassy-paris-article-1.1160497 "Over 100 arrested in protest of anti-Islam film outside U.S. embassy in Paris"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918055843/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/100-protest-anti-islam-film-u-s-embassy-paris-article-1.1160497 |date=September 18, 2012 }} – ''Daily News'' (New York) . Retrieved September 16, 2012.</ref> the Netherlands,<ref>{{cite news|title=Demo closes American consulate, but took place on the Dam|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/09/us_consulate_closes_early_beca.php|publisher=DutchNews.nl|access-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016100309/http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/09/us_consulate_closes_early_beca.php|archive-date=October 16, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and Australia.<ref name="abc">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-15/anti-us-protests-hit-sydney/4263372|title=As it happened: Violence erupts in Sydney over anti-Islam film|date=September 15, 2012|publisher=ABC News|access-date=September 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022020040/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-15/anti-us-protests-hit-sydney/4263372|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="smh">{{cite news|title=Police gas Sydney protesters|url=https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-gas-sydney-protesters-20120915-25yrb.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=September 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915070220/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-gas-sydney-protesters-20120915-25yrb.html|archive-date=September 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Numerous eyewitnesses reported that the [[2012 Benghazi attack|2012 Benghazi]] attackers said they were motivated by the video.<ref name="aljaz">{{Cite news |date=September 12, 2012 |title=US envoy dies in Benghazi consulate attack |publisher=Al Jazeera English |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912034153/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html |archive-date=September 12, 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYTOct16">David D. Kirkpatrick, [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/world/africa/election-year-stakes-overshadow-nuances-of-benghazi-investigation.html Election-Year Stakes Overshadow Nuances of Libya Investigation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228230022/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/world/africa/election-year-stakes-overshadow-nuances-of-benghazi-investigation.html|date=February 28, 2017}} ''[[The New York Times]]'' October 16, 2012</ref><ref name="NYTOct18">Scott Shane, [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/us/politics/questions-and-answers-on-the-benghazi-attack.html Clearing the Record About Benghazi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228225608/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/us/politics/questions-and-answers-on-the-benghazi-attack.html|date=February 28, 2017}} ''[[The New York Times]]'' October 18, 2012</ref><ref name="NYTSept15">David D. Kirkpatrick, [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/world/middleeast/attack-by-fringe-group-highlights-the-problem-of-libya-militias.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all Attack by Fringe Group Highlights the Problem of Libya's Militias] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416170408/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/world/middleeast/attack-by-fringe-group-highlights-the-problem-of-libya-militias.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all|date=April 16, 2017}} ''[[The New York Times]]'' 15 September 2012</ref><ref name="NPRReaction">{{cite news |date=September 13, 2012 |title=How Benghazi Is Reacting To The Deadly Attacks |newspaper=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2012/09/13/161050137/how-benghazi-is-reacting-to-the-deadly-attacks |url-status=live |access-date=21 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024085056/http://www.npr.org/2012/09/13/161050137/how-benghazi-is-reacting-to-the-deadly-attacks |archive-date=October 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gertz |first=Matt |date=May 14, 2013 |title=Four Media Reports From Libya That Linked The Benghazi Attacks To The Anti-Islam Video |url=http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/05/14/four-media-reports-from-libya-that-linked-the-b/194073 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203071217/http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/05/14/four-media-reports-from-libya-that-linked-the-b/194073 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=21 November 2013 |publisher=Media Matters For America}}</ref> |
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[[Ghulam Ahmad Bilour]] offered a $100,000 award for killing the maker of the film.<ref name="autogenerated28">''$100,000 bounty on Prophet film-maker'', Francis Elliott & Aoun Sahl, The Times, page 28, Monday September 24, 2012</ref> Ahmad Fouad Ashoush, a Salafist Muslim cleric, issued a fatwa saying: "I issue a fatwa and call on the Muslim youth in America and Europe to do this duty, which is to kill the director, the producer and the actors and everyone who helped and promoted the film."<ref>{{cite news |date=September 18, 2012 |title=Fatwa issued against 'Innocence of Muslims' film producer |work=Telegraph.co.uk |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/lebanon/9549664/Fatwa-issued-against-Innocence-of-Muslims-film-producer.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615104327/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/lebanon/9549664/Fatwa-issued-against-Innocence-of-Muslims-film-producer.html |archive-date=June 15, 2017}}</ref> Protesters in Pakistan called for the execution of the filmmaker and urged Islamabad to close the US Embassy and expel its diplomats; the protests left dozens dead.<ref>{{cite web |author=AFP |date=September 14, 2012 |title=Protests across Pakistan against anti-Islam film |url=http://dawn.com/2012/09/14/protests-across-pakistan-against-anti-islam-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918185239/http://dawn.com/2012/09/14/protests-across-pakistan-against-anti-islam-film/ |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=September 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Day of reverence or killer rage? |url=http://epaper.dawn.com/~epaper/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=22_09_2012_001_006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234030/http://epaper.dawn.com/~epaper/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=22_09_2012_001_006 |archive-date=September 11, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - World |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120923/world.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925013015/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120923/world.htm |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref> In [[Karachi|Sindh, Pakistan]], a crowd of 15,000 torched "six cinemas, three Hindu temples, two banks, a post office and 5 police vehicles," and murdered two police officers. A suicide bombing in Afghanistan was in response to the film.<ref name="Afghan women">{{cite web |date=September 18, 2012 |title=Afghan woman's suicide bombing was revenge for anti-Islam film, says radical group |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/afghan-womans-suicide-bombing-was-revenge-for-anti-islam-film-says-radical-islamist-group/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920063433/http://www.timesofisrael.com/afghan-womans-suicide-bombing-was-revenge-for-anti-islam-film-says-radical-islamist-group/ |archive-date=September 20, 2012 |access-date=September 18, 2012 |publisher=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |
[[Ghulam Ahmad Bilour]] offered a $100,000 award for killing the maker of the film.<ref name="autogenerated28">''$100,000 bounty on Prophet film-maker'', Francis Elliott & Aoun Sahl, The Times, page 28, Monday September 24, 2012</ref> Ahmad Fouad Ashoush, a Salafist Muslim cleric, issued a fatwa saying: "I issue a fatwa and call on the Muslim youth in America and Europe to do this duty, which is to kill the director, the producer and the actors and everyone who helped and promoted the film."<ref>{{cite news |date=September 18, 2012 |title=Fatwa issued against 'Innocence of Muslims' film producer |work=Telegraph.co.uk |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/lebanon/9549664/Fatwa-issued-against-Innocence-of-Muslims-film-producer.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615104327/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/lebanon/9549664/Fatwa-issued-against-Innocence-of-Muslims-film-producer.html |archive-date=June 15, 2017}}</ref> Protesters in Pakistan called for the execution of the filmmaker and urged Islamabad to close the US Embassy and expel its diplomats; the protests left dozens dead.<ref>{{cite web |author=AFP |date=September 14, 2012 |title=Protests across Pakistan against anti-Islam film |url=http://dawn.com/2012/09/14/protests-across-pakistan-against-anti-islam-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918185239/http://dawn.com/2012/09/14/protests-across-pakistan-against-anti-islam-film/ |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=September 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Day of reverence or killer rage? |url=http://epaper.dawn.com/~epaper/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=22_09_2012_001_006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234030/http://epaper.dawn.com/~epaper/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=22_09_2012_001_006 |archive-date=September 11, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - World |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120923/world.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925013015/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120923/world.htm |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref> In [[Karachi|Sindh, Pakistan]], a crowd of 15,000 torched "six cinemas, three Hindu temples, two banks, a post office and 5 police vehicles," and murdered two police officers. A suicide bombing in Afghanistan was in response to the film.<ref name="Afghan women">{{cite web |date=September 18, 2012 |title=Afghan woman's suicide bombing was revenge for anti-Islam film, says radical group |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/afghan-womans-suicide-bombing-was-revenge-for-anti-islam-film-says-radical-islamist-group/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920063433/http://www.timesofisrael.com/afghan-womans-suicide-bombing-was-revenge-for-anti-islam-film-says-radical-islamist-group/ |archive-date=September 20, 2012 |access-date=September 18, 2012 |publisher=The Times of Israel}}</ref> |
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* [[2005 Quran desecration controversy]] |
* [[2005 Quran desecration controversy]] |
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* [[2012 Afghanistan Quran burning protests]] |
* [[2012 Afghanistan Quran burning protests]] |
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* ''[[Fitna (film)|Fitna]]'' (2008) and subsequent [[international reactions to Fitna|protests]] and [[trial of Geert Wilders|trial]] |
* ''[[Fitna (film)|Fitna]]'' (2008) and subsequent [[international reactions to Fitna|protests]] and [[First trial of Geert Wilders|trial]] |
||
* ''[[Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson]]'' |
* ''[[Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson]]'' |
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* [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy|''Jyllands-Posten'' Muhammad cartoons controversy]] |
* [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy|''Jyllands-Posten'' Muhammad cartoons controversy]] |
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[[Category:Films set in Egypt]] |
[[Category:Films set in Egypt]] |
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[[Category:Anti-Islam works]] |
[[Category:Anti-Islam works]] |
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[[Category:Islam-related controversies]] |
[[Category:Islam-related mass media and entertainment controversies]] |
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[[Category:Libya–United States relations]] |
[[Category:Libya–United States relations]] |
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[[Category:Online obscenity controversies]] |
[[Category:Online obscenity controversies]] |
Latest revision as of 19:31, 11 November 2024
Innocence of Muslims | |
---|---|
Produced by | Sam Bacile |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 14 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $50,000 - $60,000 |
Innocence of Muslims[1][2] is a 2012 anti-Islamic short film that was written and produced by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula.[3][4] Two versions of the 14-minute video were uploaded to YouTube in July 2012, under the titles "The Real Life of Muhammad" and "Muhammad Movie Trailer".[5] Videos dubbed in Arabic were uploaded during early September 2012.[6] Anti-Islamic content had been added in post-production by dubbing, without the actors' knowledge.[7]
What was perceived as denigration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad resulted in demonstrations and violent protests against the video to break out on September 11 in Egypt and spread to other Arab and Muslim nations as well as to some western countries. The protests led to hundreds of injuries and over 50 deaths.[8][9][10][11] Fatwas calling for the harm of the video's participants were issued and Pakistani government minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour offered a bounty for the killing of Nakoula, the producer.[12][13][14] The film has sparked debates about freedom of speech and Internet censorship.[15]
Plot and description
The video titled "The Real Life of Muhammad", uploaded on July 1, 2012, has a running time of 13:03 in 480p format. The video "Muhammad Movie Trailer" was uploaded on July 2, 2012, with a running time of 13:51 in 1080p format. They are similar in content.
The trailer opens with a scene portraying the reportedly increasing persecution of Copts and poor human rights in Egypt around the time of the film's production, with increases in church burnings, religious intolerance and sectarian violence against the 10% population of Egypt that are Copts, as well as complaints that authorities have failed to protect this population.[16] The New York Times stated: "The trailer opens with scenes of Egyptian security forces standing idle as Muslims pillage and burn the homes of Egyptian Christians. Then it cuts to cartoonish scenes depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a child of uncertain parentage, a buffoon, a womanizer, a homosexual, a child molester, and a greedy, bloodthirsty thug."[17]
Most references to Islam were overdubbed over the original spoken lines after filming had been completed.[18] The film's 80 cast and crew members have disavowed the film: "The entire cast and crew are extremely upset and feel taken advantage of by the producer. ... We are deeply saddened by the tragedies that have occurred."[19]
The script was originally about life in Egypt 2,000 years ago and was titled Desert Warrior.[20] It was a story about a character called "Master George". Several actors were brought in to overdub lines. They were directed to say specific words, such as "Muhammad".[21] The trailer opens in a medical office, where a presumably Muslim police officer is bragging to Copts, including a doctor, about Muhammad's polygamous romantic life, and implying that Muhammad's marital and sexual practices are a model for all Muslim men. The Copts remain unimpressed, and one of them replies with sarcasm, thus irritating the police officer. The scene then cuts to anti-Coptic mob attacks taking place outside the clinic. As an Islamic call to prayer is sung from somewhere in the area, Muslims are shown committing arson and looting a business which appears to be the clinic, as police do nothing. A young woman wearing a cross is apparently murdered by the rioters. In the final shot of this segment, the police officer who had earlier been arguing in the clinic is seen standing passively in the street, holding some unidentified items presumably looted from the targeted businesses.
In the next scene, the doctor and his family, hiding from the anti-Coptic attacks, take shelter in their home, where the doctor informs two women, implied to be his wife and daughter, that the "angry mob in the city" is the "Islamic Egyptian Police". Presumably after the attack is over, he mentions that they had arrested 1,400 Christians, tortured them, and forced them to confess to "the killings". His daughter asks why they are doing this, to which her father responds "to protect Islamic crimes". The doctor then implies that a crackdown on the violence would save lives and taxpayers' money.
Following this exchange, the doctor takes up a marker and begins writing on a whiteboard: "Man + X = BT". "BT" is overdubbed as "Islamic terrorist". His daughter asks what "X" is. He tells her that she needs to discover that for herself. It is implied X is Muhammad, though the issue is never raised again.
The video continues with scenes set in pre-Islamic and early-Islamic Arabia. It starts with Muhammad supposedly being born 4 years after his father died. Some scenes depict the main character referred to in overdubbing as "Muhammad". In one scene, the "Muhammad" character's wife, "Khadija", suggests mixing parts of the Torah and the New Testament to create the Quran.[22] In another scene, Muhammad is seen speaking to the donkey known as Yaʽfūr in Islamic tradition.[23] It goes on to suggest that Muhammad was a rapist, pedophile, homosexual, and supported religious persecution, and that these actions were written into the Quran and contributed to the buildup of Islamist terrorist attacks.
Reviews
A Vanity Fair article described the video as "Exceptionally amateurish, with disjointed dialogue, jumpy editing, and performances that would have looked melodramatic even in a silent movie, the clip is clearly designed to offend Muslims, portraying Mohammed as a bloodthirsty murderer, Lothario and pedophile with omnidirectional sexual appetites."[24]
Reuters said "it portrays Mohammad as a fool, a philanderer and a religious fake and in one clip posted on YouTube, he was shown in an apparent sexual act with a woman. For many Muslims it is blasphemous even to show a depiction of the Prophet."[25]
Filmmaker and promoters
The movie was written and produced by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, using the pseudonym of "Sam Bacile".[3][4][26] Nakoula claimed that he was creating an epic, two-hour film but no such film has come to light.[27]
The project was promoted by Morris Sadek by email and on the blog of the National American Coptic Assembly.[28]
According to a consultant on the project, the videos are "trailers" from a full-length film that was shown only once, to an audience of fewer than ten people, at a rented theater in Hollywood, California. Posters advertising the film used the title Innocence of Bin Laden.[29] The film's original working title was Desert Warrior, and it told the story of "tribal battles prompted by the arrival of a comet on Earth".[30] On September 27, 2012, U.S. federal authorities stated Nakoula was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly violating terms of his probation. Prosecutors stated that some of the violations included making false statements regarding his role in the film and his use of the alias "Sam Bacile".[31] On November 7, 2012, Nakoula pleaded guilty to four of the charges against him and was sentenced to one year in prison and four years of supervised release.[32][33]
Production
In July 2011, Nakoula started casting actors for Desert Warrior, the working title at that time.[20] The independent film was directed by a person first identified in casting calls[34] as Alan Roberts, whose original cut and filmed dialog and script did not include references to Muhammad or Islam.[35] According to the casting.backstage.com announcement, it was to be "an HD 24P historical Arabian Desert adventure film" with "Sam Bassiel" as producer with shooting to start in August 2011. The lead was to be "George: male, 20–40, a strong leader, romantic, tyrant, a killer with no remorse, accent".
American non-profit Media for Christ obtained film permits to shoot the movie in August 2011, and Nakoula provided his home as a set and paid the actors, according to government officials and those involved in the production.[36] Joseph Nassralla Abdelmasih, president of Media for Christ, claimed that the company's name was used without his knowledge. He also stated that the film was edited afterwards without Media's involvement.[37] Steve Klein, an anti-Muslim and self-styled counter-jihad activist was hired as a consultant, and was relied on to sharpen the film's Islamophobic framing.[38] Nasralla has however also been noted to have had close ties both to Klein and to the counter-jihad movement.[39] Klein later appeared publicly claiming to be the spokesman for the film.[40] Klein told journalist Jeffrey Goldberg that despite previous claims, "Bacile" is not a real person and is neither Israeli nor Jewish and that the name is a pseudonym.[41] Israeli authorities found no sign of his being an Israeli citizen,[42] and there was no indication of a "Sam Bacile" living in California or participating in Hollywood filmmaking.[43]
By September 13, 2012, "Sam Bacile" was identified as Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a 55-year-old Coptic Christian from Egypt living near Los Angeles, California,[44] with known aliases.[45] In the 1990s, he served time in prison for manufacturing methamphetamine.[44][46] He pleaded no contest in 2010 to bank fraud charges, was sentenced to 21 months in prison,[44][46] and was released on probation in June 2011.[47] Nakoula claims to have written the script while in prison and raised between $50,000 and $60,000 from his wife's family in Egypt to finance the film.[3][48] The FBI contacted him due to the potential for threats, but said he was not under investigation.[49] On September 27, 2012, U.S. federal authorities arrested Nakoula in Los Angeles for suspicion of violating terms of his probation. Violations included making false statements regarding his role in the film and his use of the alias "Sam Bacile". On November 7, 2012, Nakoula pleaded guilty to four of the charges against him and was sentenced to one year in prison and four years of supervised release.[32][33]
Law professor Stephen L. Carter[50] and constitutional law expert Floyd Abrams[51] have each stated that the government cannot prosecute the film's producer for its content because of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech in the United States.
Screening and Internet upload
The video production "Innocence of Bin Laden" was advertised in the Anaheim-based newspaper Arab World during May and June 2012. The advertisement cost $300 to run three times in the paper and was paid by an individual identified only as "Joseph". The advertisements were noted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), whose Islamic affairs director stated, "When we saw the advertisement in the paper, we were interested in knowing if it was some kind of pro-jihadist movie." Brian Donnelly, a guide for a Los Angeles based tour of famous crime scenes who noticed the poster advertising at the Vine Theater, said, "I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. We didn't know what it was about because we can't read Arabic."[52] The earlier version of the film was screened once at the Vine Theater of June 23, 2012 to an audience of only ten people. The film had no subtitles and was presented in English. An employee of the theater stated, "The film we screened was titled The Innocence of Bin Laden", and added that it was a "small viewing".[53]
A second screening was planned for June 30, 2012. A local Hollywood blogger, John Walsh, attended a June 29 Los Angeles City Council meeting, where he raised his concerns about the title of a film to be screened that appeared to support the leader of al-Qaeda. He said "There is an alarming event occurring in Hollywood on Saturday. A group has rented the Vine Street theater to show a video entitled Innocence of Bin Laden. We have no idea what this group is." The blog site reported that the June 30 screening had been canceled.[54][55] A Current TV producer photographed the poster while it was being displayed at the theater as advertising to later discuss on the talk show The Young Turks.[56] The poster did not denigrate Muslims, but rather referred to "my Muslim brother". In a translation provided by the ADL, the poster stated it would reveal "the real terrorist who caused the killing of our children in Palestine, and our brothers in Iraq and Afghanistan",[57] a phrase that has been used by Palestinians to protest U.S. support of Israel.[58]
The film was supported and promoted by pastor Terry Jones, known for a Quran-burning controversy, which also led to riots around the world.[59] Jones said that he planned to show a 13-minute trailer at his church, the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, on September 11, 2012.[60] It was reported on September 14, 2012, that a planned screening by a Hindu organization in Toronto would be coupled with "snippets from other movies that are offensive to Christians and Hindus". Because of security concerns, no public venue was willing to show the film, although the group still planned on showing the film in the future to a private audience of about 200 people.[61][62] Siobhán Dowling of The Guardian reported that "a far-right Islamophobic group in Germany", the Pro Germany Citizens' Movement, had uploaded the trailer on their own website and wanted to show the entire film, but authorities were attempting to prevent it.[63]
Blocking of the YouTube video
The video clips were posted to YouTube on July 1 by user "sam bacile";[5] however, by September, the film had been dubbed into Arabic and was drawn to the attention of the Arabic-speaking world by blogger Morris Sadek. Sadek's own Egyptian citizenship had been revoked.[64] A two-minute excerpt dubbed in Arabic was broadcast on September 9 by Sheikh Khalad Abdalla.[65][66]
YouTube voluntarily blocked the video in Egypt and Libya, and blocked the video in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, India, and Singapore due to local laws, while Turkey, Brazil, and Russia initiated steps to get the video blocked.[67][68][69] Google, Inc., the owner of YouTube, also blocked the video in Libya and Egypt citing "the very difficult situation" in those countries.[70] In September 2012, the governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, and Pakistan blocked YouTube for not removing the video, saying that the website would remain suspended until the film was removed.[71][72][73] Government authorities in Chechnya and Dagestan issued orders to internet providers to block YouTube, and Iran announced that it was blocking Google and Gmail.[74][75][76] Google also agreed to block the anti-Islamic movie in Jordan.[73]
The White House asked YouTube to review whether to continue hosting the video at all under the company's policies. YouTube said the video fell within its guidelines as the video is against Islam, but not against Muslim people, and thus not considered "hate speech".[68] Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union said of this, "It does make us nervous when the government throws its weight behind any requests for censorship."[77]
Ninth Circuit court rulings on removal
On February 26, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered YouTube to remove the video from its website by a 2–1 majority. The ruling was in response to a complaint by actress Cindy Lee Garcia, who had objected to the use of her performance, which had been partially dubbed for its inclusion in Innocence of Muslims. Garcia had believed during production that she was appearing in a film called Desert Warrior, which was described as a "historical Arabian Desert adventure film", and was unaware that anti-Islamic material would be added at the post-production stage. Garcia had argued that she held a copyright interest in her performance.[78][79]
In May 2015, in an en banc opinion, the Ninth Circuit reversed the panel's decision, vacating the order for the preliminary injunction.[80][81][82] Ibrahim Hooper, the National Communications Director and spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), advised that people should not watch the film.[83]
Reactions and controversies
Protests were held in many nations, through Islamic countries in the Middle East,[84][85] Asia,[86][87] and Africa[86] as well as the United Kingdom,[86][88] France,[89] the Netherlands,[90] and Australia.[91][92] Numerous eyewitnesses reported that the 2012 Benghazi attackers said they were motivated by the video.[93][94][95][96][97][98]
Ghulam Ahmad Bilour offered a $100,000 award for killing the maker of the film.[99] Ahmad Fouad Ashoush, a Salafist Muslim cleric, issued a fatwa saying: "I issue a fatwa and call on the Muslim youth in America and Europe to do this duty, which is to kill the director, the producer and the actors and everyone who helped and promoted the film."[100] Protesters in Pakistan called for the execution of the filmmaker and urged Islamabad to close the US Embassy and expel its diplomats; the protests left dozens dead.[101][102][103] In Sindh, Pakistan, a crowd of 15,000 torched "six cinemas, three Hindu temples, two banks, a post office and 5 police vehicles," and murdered two police officers. A suicide bombing in Afghanistan was in response to the film.[104]
See also
- 2005 Quran desecration controversy
- 2012 Afghanistan Quran burning protests
- Fitna (2008) and subsequent protests and trial
- Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson
- Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy
- The Message (1976 film)
- The Satanic Verses controversy
- South Park controversies § Censorship of the depiction of Muhammad
- Submission (2004)
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External links
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