Two Dead In Afghan Charlie Hebdo Protest

Two people were reportedly killed and three injured in Kabul on January 31 during a protest against the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo for publishing a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.

Local media cited various witnesses as saying that about 500 people took to the streets of the capital, chanting "Death to France" and "Death to the enemies of Islam."

Police sources said the protest turned violent when protesters attacked policemen with burning tires, stones, and then gunfire.

Kabul police denied reports of the deaths, saying two people had been injured.

Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said, "Some irresponsible gunmen were among the protesters who opened fire on police."

This is the third protest against the French magazine in Kabul, but the first that has resulted in violence.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa