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Malaysia detains Saudi accused of prophet insult

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By SEAN YOONG, The Associated Press 12:30 AM Friday, February 10, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian police say they have detained a Saudi journalist who apparently fled his country after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad on Twitter.

Jiddah-based newspaper columnist Hamza Kashgari triggered an uproar in his country this month after tweeting remarks about the prophet that many considered offensive.

A Malaysian federal police official said Kashgari was held on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because he was not authorized to issue public statements.

Some Saudis have reportedly made death threats against Kashgari or called for him to be charged in court.

Malaysian officials declined to say whether the 23-year-old would be returned to Saudi Arabia soon. Phones at the Saudi Embassy rang unanswered Friday.

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February 10, 2012 05:25 AM EST

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