Libyans angry over caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad clashed with police forces at the Italian consulate in the city of Benghazi on Friday, storming the building and setting it on fire. According to press reports, at least 11 people were killed in the riots. The Libyan government has condemned the riots.
The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the first floor of the building had been set on fire. In a statement published in the Italian capital, the ministry said the consulate was being protected by Libyan security forces. According to the AP, security officials said the demonstrators hurled stones and bottles at the consulate. Police fired shots to try to disperse the protestors.
