FEARS OF MASS protests are growing after outrage over controversial cartoon depictions of Mohammed that appeared in a French satirical publication, Charlie Hebdo.

The French foreign ministry has ordered embassies, consulates and cultural centres in some 20 Muslim countries to close on Friday amid fears of retaliation following weekly prayers.

Ministers in France have criticised the timing of the cartoons, one of which shows a naked turbaned Mohammed exposing his backside, but made it clear they support the magazine’s right to express its opinions.

We want to know your opinion. Should the French magazine have published controversial cartoons of Mohammed?

Poll Results:

Yes, it's their right to express their opinion (1136)

It's their right but I still don't agree (974)

No, definitely not (495)

I don't know (219)

Yes, it's their right to express their opinion
It's their right but I still don't agree
No, definitely not
I don't know

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Poll: Should the Mohammed cartoons have been published?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.