Scores injured as Bangladesh police clash with Muslims protesting prophet film

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Officials and witnesses say scores of people have been injured in a clash in Bangladesh’s capital between police and hundreds of Muslims who were protesting a film produced in the United States that denigrates the Prophet Muhammad.

Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the stone-throwing protesters, who were from about a dozen Islamic groups.

Police said the clash erupted Saturday when they attempted to stop the demonstration.

Witnesses said the protesters burned several vehicles, including a police van, during the melee.

The protesters announced a nationwide general strike on Sunday to protest the police action.

On Friday, more than 2,000 people marched in Dhaka and burned a makeshift coffin draped with an American flag with an effigy of President Barack Obama.

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