In Niger, several Christian leaders are being held in protective custody after demonstrators angry at an anti-Islamic film ransacked a major Catholic church. Hundreds of protesters stormed the cathedral in Niger's second-largest city of Zinder after Friday prayers, and set fire to US and British flags.The Islamic Council of Niger, the top religious body in the country, condemned the film, but also appealed for churches to be spared.
A policeman was injured in clashes that erupted during the protests in Zinder, situated near the border with Nigeria, and about a dozen demonstrators were arrested.
A local radio journalist said, "After Friday prayers, hundreds of protesters broke down the door of the church and totally trashed it, before setting fire to all the documents and breaking a statue of the Virgin Mary."
"Several Christian leaders are being held by the police to ensure their safety," he said, adding that security forces have been deployed to prevent further attacks against churches.