Chronology of the reactions to Innocence of Muslims

This article covers the chronology of the reactions to Innocence of Muslims. The uploading of the Innocence of Muslims films trailer resulted in protests, deaths and hundreds of injuries in several cities in the world.^[1]

Timeline

Before September, 2012

• In July, 2012, the 14-minute trailer for the film Innocence of Muslims is posted on YouTube by Sam Bacile.^[2]
• Several weeks prior to the September protests, Bacile contacts Florida pastor Terry Jones to promote and link the film on Jones' Stand Up America Now website. Jones said on September 13, "We were contacted several weeks ago by the director who wanted us to promote the film and give it a stamp of approval."^[3]

September 4

• A version of the trailer dubbed into Arabic, is posted on the same YouTube channel as the original English version.^[2][4][5][6]
• According to the NY Times, the video is "then copied and viewed tens of thousands of times more" between September 4 and September 11.^[7]
• Morris Sadek, an Egyptian-born Coptic Christian, contacts Cairo reporter Gamel Girgis from the newspaper Youm Al Sabaa (Youm7), and emails him a link to the video. Says Girgis, "He told me he produced a movie last year and wanted to screen it on Sept. 11th to reveal what was behind the terrorists’ actions that day, Islam."^[8][9]

September 5

• Sadek promotes the film on his Arabic-language blog, including a YouTube link to the newly posted Arabic version of the video.^[10]

September 6

• Girgis publishes a 3-paragraph article in the Cairo newspaper Youm Al Sabaa (Youm7), based on the information from Sadek, including the backing of the video by American pastor Terry Jones. Girgis calls the video "shocking", but concludes that it "is just a passing crisis that doesn’t affect the bond between Muslims and Copts."^[9]
• Sadek sends an email to international journalists promoting a September 11 event to be held by Terry Jones, including a link to the video.^[11]

September 8

• Egyptian television station Al-Nas airs a 2-minute Arabic-language clip from the Bacile film, as part of the broadcast by Islamist pundit Sheikh Khalad Abdalla who denounces the film.^{[2][5][7][12]}

September 9

• Cairo newspaper Youm7 reports that an Egyptian political party leader "denounced the production of the film with the participation of vengeful Copts, accompanied by the extremist priest Terry Jones."^[7][13]
• A clip of the Egyptian TV show segment is posted on YouTube including both the 2-minute clip from the film, and denunciation by pundit Khaled Abdalla. It receives almost 400,000 hits over the next few days.^[5]
• Sadek tweets another link to the Arabic version of the full 14-minute video.^[5]

September 11

• Protesters in Cairo climb over the walls of the US Embassy and tear down an American flag, replacing it with a black flag inscribed with Islamic emblems. Egyptian police have surrounded the compound to block further incursions.^{[14][15][16][17]}
• Protestors in Cairo condemn this film promoted by controversial American pastor Terry Jones as a "humiliation of Muhammad under the pretext of freedom of speech".^{[15][16][17][18][19]}
• The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt releases a statement from its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), "condemning the anti-Islam film made by certain US Coptic Christians with dubious – apparently personal – agendas."^[20]

September 12

• U.S. president Barack Obama says that the United States rejects denigration of religious beliefs.^[21][22]
• Sam Bacile, supposed writer and director of the allegedly privately produced film that motivated the attacks, has gone into hiding, while a second person, apparently separately, claims production of the video.^[23][24]
• Afghanistan blocks access to YouTube until the video is taken down.^[25]
• Syrian rebels express outrage that the alleged privately produced video belittling Muhammad is generating more anger among Arabs than the rising death toll within Syria.^[26]

September 13

• Protestors breach the walls of the U.S. embassy compound in Sana'a, Yemen.
• U.S. officials say they are investigating whether the protests over Innocence of Muslims denigrating Muhammad were used as a cover by the Benghazi consulate attackers, rather than being spurred by them.^[27][28]
• The US consulate in the suburbs of Berlin, Germany, is briefly evacuated due to suspicions over the contents of an envelope.^[29]
• Yemeni police fire warning shots in the air and four people are killed. The Egyptian ministry of health says 224 people are injured in demonstrations around the embassy in Cairo. In Kuwait, 500 people gathered and chanted near the embassy.^[30][31]
• More details emerge about the "privately" produced anti-Islam film that sparks unrest in the world. Sam Bacile is also the name a Washington-based activist assumed to initiate forwarding the link last week. One reporter points to the suspected real name of "Abano(u)b Basseley".^[11]
• In short, Florida Pastor Terry Jones and Copt Washington-based lawyer Morris Sadek are two of the promoters of the film.^[31]
• An other person, named Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, self-identified manager of the company that allegedly produced the film, is identified by a security official.^{[32][33][34][35]}

September 14

• Protesters attacked the German and British embassies in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.^[36][37]
• At least seven people were killed during protests in Khartoum, Tunis and Cairo.^[36][37]
• The United States Consulate in Chennai, India was targeted by Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazagham resulting in minor damage to the consulate and Injuries to 25 protesters after Police resort to Riot Control methods.^[38]
• Protesters in Tripoli, Lebanon, set fire to a KFC and a Hardees restaurant, sparking clashes with local security forces. One protester has been killed and 25 people have been wounded, including 18 police officers.^[36][39]
• Clashes occurred in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.^[40][41]
• In the Sinai, an international observer base near El Gorah is shot at. Two observers are injured.^[41]
• At least two American Marines and 16 Taliban fighters were killed in a Taliban attack on Camp Bastion airbase in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, according to a spokesman at nearby Camp Leatherneck.^[37][42][43] The attack was a complex and coordinated assault using several types of weapons. The Taliban claimed that it was in response to the film, and have also stated that Prince Harry, who is currently stationed at the base, was the target of the attack. A hangar within the facility suffered considerable damage, with five aircraft destroyed and three others being damaged.^[44][45]
• Hundreds of Muslims protesting the film riot in Jerusalem and the Damascus Gate, and hurl stones at police officers.^[46]

September 15

• At least 4 were killed and 46 injured during protests near the American embassy in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The U.S. government pulled out all non-essential personnel and urged its citizens to leave the city.^[47][48]
• Egyptian riot police stormed Tahrir Square and arrested at least 220 protesters after four days of clashes in Cairo. A 35-year-old man died of birdshot wounds after clashes near the US embassy overnight. Authorities announced the number of injured since the beginning of protests had risen to more than 250.^[48][49]
• In Yemen, a statement from AQAP called for Muslims everywhere to attack American embassy personnel.^[48]
• Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul-Azeez ibn Abdullaah Aal ash-Shaikh, denounced the attacks and urged governments and international bodies to criminalise insults against prophets.^[48]
• Violent protests occurred in Sydney, Australia, where up to six hundred people marched. Several scuffles broke out between security forces and protesters, with rocks and bottles being thrown.^[48][50]
• Over 80 people were arrested during a protest near the US embassy on Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.^[48]
• Sudan refused a US government request to station a Marine platoon at its embassy in Khartoum, forcing authorities to pull out all non-essential personnel and advise American citizens to avoid travelling to the country.^[48]
• Al Qaeda indicated responsibility for the attack in Libya, citing revenge for a US drone strike in June that killed Abu Yahya al-Libi, a Libyan who served as lieutenant to Ayman al-Zawahiri, the head of al-Qaeda.^[51]

September 18

• Egypt's general prosecutor issues eight arrest warrants on charges related to the film. Because the accused all reside outside of Egypt, and thus would be tried in absentia, the symbolic act by the prosecutor is seen as aimed at quelling some of the public anger over the film. The names include American pastor Terry Jones, and seven Egyptian Coptic Christians including Nakoula Basseley Nakoula (Sam Bacile), and Morris Sadek.^[52]

September 19

• A DHS report released on September 11 and reported by Fox News on September 19 indicated that a web statement incited "sons of Egypt" to pressure America to release Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman (the so-called "blind sheikh) "even if it requires burning the embassy down with everyone in it." The Web statement was apparently posted on an Arabic-language forum on September 9, two days before the attack, and was in reference to the embassy in Egypt.^[53]

References

1. "Anti-Islam YouTube video, 'Innocence of Muslims', sparks violent protests". Abc15.com. Associated Press. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
2. Willon, Phil; Keegan, Rebecca (13 September 2012). "Timeline: 'Innocence of Muslims' unrest". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
3. Luscombe, Richard (13 September 2012). "Pastor Terry Jones rejects criticism of his involvement in anti-Islam film". The Telegraph. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
4. Taylor, Adam (13 September 2014). "Everything We Know About The Film That Sparked Chaos In The Middle East". www.businessinsider.com. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
5. Al Jazeera and agencies (13 September 2014). "How did obscure hate film spur global wrath?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
6. Carroll, Rory (13 September 2012). "Film-maker behind anti-Islam trailer stays silent amid media siege". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
7. Mackey, Robert; Stack, Liam (11 September 2012). "Obscure Film Mocking Muslim Prophet Sparks Anti-U.S. Protests in Egypt and Libya". The Lede – The NY Times News Blog. New York Times. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
8. McQuaid, John (15 September 2012). "How the 'Muhammed' Video Went Viral". Forbes. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
9. Youssef, Nancy A.; Ismail, Amina (15 September 2012). "Anti-U.S. outrage over video began with Christian activist's phone call to a reporter". http://www.mcclatchydc.com. McClatchy Newspapers. Retrieved 30 November 2014. External link in |website= (help)
10. Sadek, Morris (5 September 2012). "Global film on the Life of Muhammad Nbyalasalam and the Trial of Mohammed" (in Arabic). National American Coptic Assembly. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
11. Nissenbaum, Dion. "Behind Video, a Web of Questions". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
12. Hudson, John (13 September 2012). "The Egyptian Outrage Peddler Who Sent an Anti-Islam YouTube Clip Viral". The Wire. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
13. Youm7 (9 September 2012). "Expatriate Copts ignite sedition by producing film offending the Prophet" (in Arabic). Youm7 Newspaper. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
14. David Ariosto (11 September 2012). "Protesters attack U.S. diplomatic compounds in Egypt, Libya". CNN. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
15. "Egypt protesters breach US embassy over 'insulting' film". BBC. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
16. "The Movie So Offensive That Egyptians Just Stormed the U.S. Embassy Over It – Max Fisher". The Atlantic. 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
17. "Egypt army intervenes to pacify Salafist protest at US embassy". Ahram. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
18. David Ariosto (2012-09-11). "Protesters attack U.S. diplomatic compounds in Egypt, Libya". CNN. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
19. "US suspects attack in Libya may have been planned:reports". CTV News. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
20. Muslim Brotherhood (12 September 2012). "Freedom and Justice Party Statement on Anti-Islam Film". http://www.ikhwanweb.com. Retrieved 29 November 2014 – translation of Arabic statement released 11 September 2012. Check date values in: |access-date= (help); External link in |website= (help)
21. "U.S. vows to hunt down perpetrators of Benghazi attack – CNN.com". Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
22. "Marines headed to Libya to reinforce security – News". Boston.com. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
23. Bradley, Matt. "U.S. Missions Stormed in Libya, Egypt – WSJ.com". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
24. "The Associated Press: California man confirms role in anti-Islam film". Google.com. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
25. "Afghanistan bans YouTube to prevent viewing of anti-Muslim film | Reuters". In.reuters.com. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
26. September 12, 2012  (2009-11-25). "Some Syrian activists angry about Arab outrage over Muhammad video – latimes.com". Latimesblogs.latimes.com. p. m. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
27. "At least 1 arrest in killings of Americans in Libya". CNN. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
28. Nation-World (13 September 2012). "Libya says attacks a 2-part militant assault". Detroit News. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
29. "U.S. Consulate in Berlin evacuated in false alarm". Reuters. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
30. "Anti-Islam film protests spread across Middle East". BBC. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
31. "Four Yemenis die as anti-US protests spread". Google. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
32. Stephens, Bret. "Who is 'Sam Bacile'?". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
33. "Who is responsible for the film?". The Columbus Dispatch. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
34. "Nakoula Basseley Nakoula identified as anti-Muslim filmmaker Sam Bacile". Politico. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
35. "The Real Life of Muhammad". YouTube. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
36. Leana Hosea. "Seven dead as anti-Islam film protests widen". BBC. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
37. Jonathan Beale. "Camp Bastion assault: Two US marines die in 'Taliban revenge'". BBC. Retrieved 2012-09-15.
38. Times Of India. "US consulate in Chennai Targeted.". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
39. Aya Batrawy; Lee Keath. "U.S. school ransacked, set ablaze in Tunis as anti-American protests spread". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
40. "Violent protests across Middle East target embassies, Pope visit to Lebanon". Fox News. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
41. "Anti-American fury sweeps Middle East over film". Reuters. 14 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
42. "British troops help fight off Taliban attack on Afghan military base housing Prince Harry". The Telegraph. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
43. "2 Marines killed in attack in southern Afghanistan". Boston. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
44. Deadly attack on base in Afghanistan destroys five aircraft, damages 3 (Fox News)
45. "Taliban take credit for British base attack". Al Jazeera. September 15, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
46. "Muslim protest reaches Israel; riots in Jerusalem". Ynetnews. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
47. "Tunisia death toll rises to four in U.S. embassy attack". Reuters via Trust.org. September 15, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
48. "Fury over Mohammad video simmers on in Muslim world". Reuters via Trust.org. September 15, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
49. Egyptian police clear protesters near U.S. mission (Reuters via Trust.org)
50. Gridneff, Ilya (15 September 2012). "Fury at Sydney protests". smh.com.au. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
51. Shmulovich, Michal (15 September 2012). "Al-Qaeda indicates responsibility for killing US envoy in Libya, urges more attacks". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
52. El Deeb, Sarah (18 September 2014). "Egypt to try 7 Copts, US pastor over Prophet film". Cairo. Associated Press. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
53. "DHS Report: Cairo Attack Followed Demand to Release Blind Sheikh in 1993 WTC Bombing". Fox News. Retrieved September 19, 2012.