Five Die In Second Koran-Burning Protest - 2nd Apr 2011

Five people have died in protests in Kandahar against the burning of a copy of the Koran, a day after an attack prompted by the incident left at least 12 people dead, including seven UN staff.

Two thousand people took part in violent demonstrations in the southern Afghan city, denouncing the burning of a copy of the Islamic holy book by an obscure US pastor.

Five people were killed and 46 wounded in the protests, which were planned by the Taliban, according to a provinical governor spokesman.

It comes a day after protesters furious at the provocative stunt by the Florida-based clergyman stormed a UN compound in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, grabbing weapons from guards and opening fire.

Initial reports said up to 20 UN workers had been killed. Two people are said to have been beheaded.

As well as condemning the violence, members of the UN Security Council called on the Afghan government to bring those responsible to justice. Read More