A HUGE rally was held in Huddersfield to protest about a film.

Up to 2,000 people gathered in St George’s Square in the town centre to campaign against a controversial anti-Islam film that has sparked violent protests around the world.

Kirklees Imams and Mosques Advisory Board had organised the ‘Peace Rally’ in St George’s Square which was held at noon on Saturday.

Muslims from across the region, joined the rally in reaction to the crudely produced film, Innocence of Muslims.

There have been similar rallies in other towns and cities.

Saturday’s event was very peaceful.

Imran Sarwar, chairman of the advisory board, addressed those assembled, many wearing traditional Muslim dress.

He said: “This film spitefully disparages the sacred position of the Holy Prophet of Islam with malicious intent to incite hatred against Muslims and their faith.

“We believe that freedom of speech must be defended, but freedom to promote hatred and racism must be eliminated.”

He said he was pleased with the turnout which he estimated peaked to around 2,000 just before 1pm.

He added: “All of us have a role to play, however big or small, in calling for respect for all and balancing freedom of speech against promotion of hatred.

“It is only by doing our bit that we could create a cohesive and respectful society for all.”

Prayers were then read from the holy Quran during the hour-long rally.

Seven-year-old Ahmed Fasweha also took to a stage and addressed packed crowds to read a letter he has written to the Prime Minster.

He urged David Cameron to do everything in his power to stop people insulting his religion.

Kiran Bali, who chairs the United Religions Initiative, formerly the Huddersfield Interfaith Council, also supported the event.

The protest in Huddersfield is one of several which have been held across the country after the film was allegedly posted on Youtube last July by Egyptian man, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, who is living in the USA.

Violence flared in the Middle East and Asia after the film went viral on September 11, the anniversary of 9/11.

Dozens of people have been killed in violent protests.

Nakoula has been arrested by police in California and is currently detained awaiting trial, but the trailer for the film can still be found on YouTube.

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