Middle East and North Africa - security update for tomorrow Friday 4 July

RPS can not speculate on exaclty what the possible impact the warning below may have, if any, but we’ll keep monitoring and let you know if the situation changes at all:

A controversial video set to be released tomorrow on Friday 4th July, could cause protests across the Middle East and North Africa.

The film, titled "Aisha and Muhammad: The Dramatic Life of a Little Child Married to the Prophet of Islam" supposedly accuses the Prophet Mohammad of lewd behavior, potentially enraging the Muslim communities of the region.

The film was reportedly created by Imran Firasat, who was born in Pakistan and is a former Muslim. Many Muslims view any depiction of Muhammad as blasphemous, and an unfavourable portrayal is even more likely to prompt outrage, potentially resulting in violent demonstrations.

Likely locations for marches and rallies include Western diplomatic missions, Western-branded businesses, places of worship, and prominent public squares. Major business and traffic disruptions are likely wherever unrest breaks out; protesters may block roads and vandalize surrounding businesses and vehicles.

Harassment of Western-appearing passersby are possible as well. Attacks by militants seeking to take advantage of the potential anti-Western sentiment are also possible. Bomb threats and other security scares could occur and could particularly target diplomatic facilities, prompting those offices to close without warning.

Please contact [email protected] if you are worried.

This information was provided by SNE projects with thanks