18th September 2007
The Swedish Artist Lars Vilks, who is under a death threat from Al Qaida has experienced increased personal security from the Police. The Police are not allowing him to visit his home as it presents too much of a risk.
Police sent Vilks into protection on Sunday and described the threats as very serious.
On Saturday Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of al Qaida in Iraq, issued a bounty on Lars Vilks for creating an image of Muhammad’s head on a dog’s body. In Islam dogs are seen as unclean and opposes depiction of Muhammad as it could lead to idolatry.
"We are calling for the assassination of cartoonist Lars Vilks who dared insult our prophet ... and we announce a reward during this generous month of Ramadan," said Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, according to transcripts of Islamic websites.
The al-Qaida leader said that the bounty is $100,000 but would be raised to $150,000 if Lars Vilks was “slaughtered like a lamb”.
The country of Sweden has received more than 18,000 Iraqi refugees in the past year. Fredrik Reinfeldt, prime minister of Sweden called for mutual respect between Muslims, Christians and non-religious groups.
