Dutch lawmaker cancels Muhammad cartoon contest

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Dutch politician Geert Wilders canceled a planned Muhammad cartoon contest in the Netherlands after it drew thousands of Islamic protesters this week in Pakistan. Islam forbids depictions of its central figure. Wilders, known for his anti-Islamic statements, said he canceled the scheduled November event following death threats and concerns it could put people at risk. “People’s safety is more important,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Following the announcement, thousands of Pakistani protesters marching near Islamabad dispersed. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi said the cancellation of the contest resulted from diplomatic efforts.

Onize Oduah

Onize is WORLD’s Africa reporter and deputy global desk chief. She is a World Journalism Institute graduate and earned a journalism degree from Minnesota State University–Moorhead. Onize resides in Abuja, Nigeria.

@onize_ohiks