The Stream

#HamzahKashghri sparks a polarising debate on Twitter

Tweets from a Saudi writer have some calling for his arrest, while others come to his defence.

A divisive debate on Twitter has ignited following comments made by a Saudi writer regarding the Prophet Mohammed. The tweets angered many who felt they were blasphemous.

Hamza Kashgari, a journalist who formerly tweeted under the name @Hmzmz, reportedly fled the country after many denounced him on Twitter using the hashtag #HamzaKashghri. Many hashtags inspired by his name have trended since February 3. One of them, #hamzahKashghryAlKaLB, translates from Arabic to “Hamzah Kashghry the dog.”

Saudi King Abdullah has also called for his arrest and trial. Some say the leader’s statements were inspired by the online “lynch mob“.

Before deleting his account, Kashghri publicly apologised on Twitter to those he offended.

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Published On 8 Feb 2012