The film which has triggered deadly protests in the Middle East over its portrayal of the Islamic faith is not intended to insult Muslims, a controversial US pastor who backs the movie said on Wednesday.
Terry Jones, who has sparked deadly protests in the past by burning copies of the Koran, also insisted that the deaths of the US ambassador to Libya and three other Americans in an attack in Benghazi were not the result of the film.
“We have been contacted by the producer of the film, Innocence of Muslims, to help distribute it,” Jones said in a statement, referring to the movie which mocks the Prophet Mohammed, a 14-minute clip of which is available online.
“The film is not intended to insult the Muslim community, but ... to reveal truths about Mohammed that are possibly not widely known,” he said, adding it was “very clear that God did not influence him in the writings of the Koran.
“The fruits of the religion speak for themselves. For example the recent outbreak of violence and deaths is not because of the film, it is not because of the activities that we have done and that we will continue to do.
“These types of violent activities must be totally rejected. These people must be held accountable.”
US President Barack Obama quickly ordered increased security at US diplomatic missions around the world after the deadly protests on Tuesday, which coincided with the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.