ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A photographer was shot outside the French Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, during clashes between security forces and a crowd demonstrating against a Prophet Muhammad cartoon in Charlie Hebdo on Friday, according to a hospital official. It was not immediately clear who shot the AFP news service's Asif Hassan, although a Reuters photographer at the scene said many protesters appeared to be armed. According to local reports, troops fired live ammunition and tear gas at around 50 demonstrators angered by the cartoon which appeared in this week's special "survivors' edition" of the satirical magazine.
"The bullet struck his lung, and passed through his chest. He is out of immediate danger and he has spoken to his colleagues," said Dr. Seemi Jamali, a spokeswoman for Karachi's Jinnah Hospital where Hassan was taken, according to a statement issued by AFP. In addition to Hassan, the hospital was treating a policeman and a demonstrator who were also injured during the protests, Jamali told NBC News. Demonstrations broke out throughout Pakistan but the only reports of violence were in Karachi. By 4 p.m. (6 a.m. ET) the crowds in Karachi had dispersed, according to local reports.
IN-DEPTH
- Charlie Hebdo: Lawmakers Chant 'Death to Blasphemers'
- Iran: Charlie Hebdo Special Edition 'Insults Islam'
- Muslim Group: Don't Publish New Issue of Charlie Hebdo
— Wajahat S. Khan and F. Brinley Bruton
Reuters contributed to this report.
