Netherlands-based Open Doors, a group helping believers "persecuted for their faith," said it fears "Islamic extremists" will misuse the film to attack Christian believers in countries such as Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and Nigeria. "In these countries Christians are often associated with the West," Open Doors added.
It recalled that in 2006 violence broke out following the publication of Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in dozens of countries. Especially already persecuted Christians became victims of these clashes.
In Nigeria for instance at least 70 Christians died and dozens of churches and homes were destroyed," said Open Doors, which closely investigated the situation. "There were also attacks in Pakistan and Iraq," the group added.
It said it could not be rule out that Wilders film would spark similar reactions. "Christians in Muslim nations are soft targets and easy to attack," Open Doors stressed.
HARD-LINE MUSLIMS
In Pakistan, Christian parliamentarian Shahbaz Bhatti, who chairs the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance group, shared Open Doors’ concerns. He told BosNewsLife that "hard-line Muslims" could use this film to attack Christians. Pakistan already saw several attacks against churches, before the ‘Fitna’s’ release, BosNewsLife monitored.
Bhatti condemned the film, saying "Christ has taught us to love and respect others irrespective of their color, caste, creed" or religious background.
"That’s why we urge all churches and Christians to pray [this weekend] that Fitna will not lead to much violence in the Muslim world and that the Lord will protect Christian in Islamic nations," said Tjalling Schotanus, director of Open Doors Netherlands. "Prayer is the only way with which we can support them" he added.
