Islamic groups condemn violent Sydney protest

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Sorry, this video has expired Video: Mariam Veiszadeh talks to ABC News 24 (ABC News)

Islamic groups have condemned a violent protest in Sydney's CBD yesterday which was prompted by a low-budget internet film ridiculing the Prophet Mohammed.

Six people have been charged in the wake of the protest and police are warning that more arrests are likely as they trawl through surveillance footage of the demonstration.

Six police officers were injured as hundreds of Muslims marched towards the US consulate in central Sydney, following similar demonstrations in the Middle East and North Africa over the 13 minute video, Innocence of Muslims.

The latest developments: Look back on the ABC's coverage of the protests in Sydney.

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Some protesters carried signs reading: "Behead those who insult Islam" and others yelled slogans like "down, down USA" and "Our dead are in paradise. Your dead are in hell".

Police were forced to use capsicum spray as the demonstration got out of hand and they allege glass bottles were thrown.

Khaled Sukkarieh from the Islamic Council of New South Wales says the action was not authorised by any Islamic organisation.

"Violence is no way an answer to anything and we condemn the violence that's happened," he said.

Mariam Veiszadeh, a lawyer and Muslim community advocate, told ABC News 24 that many in the Muslim community are outraged by yesterday's behaviour.

"It runs completely contrary to our Islamic traditions and our prophetic traditions," she said.

"Our Prophet - peace be upon him - was constantly ridiculed and repeatedly assaulted and abused, but every time he responded with dignity, restraint, kindness and showed patience.

"The individuals responsible for the violent outburst run completely contrary to Islamic tradition, and the rest of the community is equally as outraged and we sincerely hope this doesn't further damage relationships between the Australian Muslim community and the wider Australian community."

Ms Sukkarieh says the protest will have ramifications for the wider Muslim community.

"Each time individuals in the community engage in violent behaviour or criminal behaviour, the rest of the community is dragged through the mud and essentially put on trial," she said.

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Six men charged over Sydney protest (ABC News)

The Islamic Friendship Association's Keysar Trad says the rally was not in the spirit of Islam.

"The Prophet Mohammed himself would be appalled that people are calling for violence," he said.

He says the protest harmed the image of Islam.

The film that triggered the unrest The film titled Innocence of Muslims mocks the Prophet Mohammed and Islam.

Touches on themes of paedophilia and homosexuality.

Features low-budget production values, with actors in false beards in front of stock desert footage.

Cast members have said they thought it was a fictional epic, and later found their lines had been dubbed over.

Reportedly written by Nakoula Bassily Nakoula, 55, an Egyptian Copt on conditional release from prison.

Directed by 65-year-old Alan Roberts.

Reportedly produced by a US religious group called Media for Christ.

Promoted by a network of right-wing Coptic and Evangelical Christians with a radical anti-Muslim agenda.

Among them is Florida pastor Terry Jones, who spoke to The World Today about his involvement.

"If we want to prove that we are true Muslims, then we should be out there projecting love to the rest of society."

Premier Barry O'Farrell has also condemned the violent scenes and says the behaviour was "completely unacceptable".

"The right to protest comes with the responsibility to do so according to the law," he said.

Meanwhile, police have warned more arrests are likely and they say they will be examining footage of the protest to identify more offenders.

Six of the eight protesters arrested have been charged with various offences and one man arrested during the protest is expected to face court next month.

New South Wales Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas says police are not aware of plans for any further protests today, but they are prepared.

He says he is confident the level of security at the US Consulate in central Sydney is adequate.

He says investigations are continuing.

"There was an enormous amount of footage and material gathered yesterday both by CCTV and the media outlets and so on," he said.

"We will definitely try and gather that material. We are going to analyse that and have a good look at it and in the normal course of events I expect there'd be further charges laid."

Topics: islam, unrest-conflict-and-war, sydney-2000, nsw