Russian prosecutors will ask court to ban anti-Islam film

MOSCOW – Russian prosecutors say they will seek to ban an anti-Islam film that has sparked violence around the world.

The Prosecutor General’s office said Monday it will ask the courts to outlaw the “Innocence of Muslims” film as “extremist and offending believers.” The office said it already has urged leading Internet providers to prevent its spread across the web.

The privately produced American-made movie ridiculing Islam has triggered violent protests against U.S. embassies and other targets in several countries in the Middle East and beyond.

The Russian prosecutors’ move reflects the Kremlin’s fears that the film could foment unrest among Russia’s Muslims, who make up the majority of the population in many provinces.