A Facebook group known as “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!” has caused the worlds largest social network to temporarily lose nearly 45 million customers in the Pakistan region.
According to TechCrunch, a Pakistani court made their ruling to temporarily block the social networking site after it was determined Facebook did nothing to discourage the Mohammed caricature day. According to Islamic law, depicting any prophet, even in a positive light is strictly prohibited.
Pakistan is predominately Muslim and faith groups in the area had petitioned to arrange the sites ban in the area. According to Al Jazeera:
“About 20 people carried banners outside of courthouse in Lahore, condemning Facebook and praising Prophet Mohammed.”
It’s not the first time Muslim protesters have attacked U.S. run websites, in February 2008 YouTube had regulatory restrictions applied to the site.
All Voices is reporting that politician Ghulam Hussain Pirzada addressed the nations concerns stating:
“protesters [are] demanding that the PTA ban obscene as well as sites that are offensive to the sensitivities of Muslims. He also asked the government to ban all newspapers, magazines and publications that have such offensive material and substance.
The court decision will remain in effect until May 31st at which time a detailed hearing will take place, including replies to the written petition which at least partly led to the ban.
