The protests do not stop! Egyptian security forces earlier Saturday forced protesters away from the U.S. Embassy toward Tahrir Square. While workers cleaned the area after five days of riots, hundreds of Egyptian riot police remained in the square protecting them. Demonstrators were angry over an anti-Islam film and clashed with police in Australia. See below for more details
(CNN) — Demonstrators angry over an anti-Islam film clashed with police in Australia, but downtown Cairo, scene of the first protests, and most of the Muslim world appeared to be largely calm Saturday evening.
Egyptian security forces earlier Saturday pushed protesters away from the U.S. Embassy toward Tahrir Square, where they were further dispersed.
Hundreds of Egyptian riot police remained in the square as workers cleaned streets and businesses and assessed damage from five days of protests.
The protest in Sydney came as the United States strengthened security at diplomatic stations amid the unrest, which marked its fifth day.
Carrying signs that read: “Obama, Obama, we like Osama” and “Behead All Those Who Insult the Prophet,” hundreds of protesters gathered on the steps of the consulate in Sydney.
The demonstration turned violent after protesters were pushed back from the building.
Authorities used tear gas and police dogs to disperse protesters who threw bottles and shoes — considered a grave insult among Muslims. Six police officers were injured and eight people were arrested, Sydney police said. Seventeen people were treated for the effects of pepper spray used by police.
In his weekly address, U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledged “images on our televisions are disturbing.”
“But let us never forget that for every angry mob, there are millions who yearn for the freedom and dignity and hope that our flag represents,” Obama said.
Obama reiterated that those who killed U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi will be brought to justice.
“These four Americans represented the very best of our country,” the president said.
FBI investigators probing the killings put off a visit until conditions in the volatile region are safer. Agents had hoped to arrive in Libya on Saturday, federal law enforcement officials said.
Libyan officials believe the Tuesday assault in Benghazi was planned and used the protest over the film as a diversion.
From Morocco to Malaysia, thousands of Muslims have taken to the streets in recent days — with sometimes deadly results — over the release of a 14-minute trailer, privately produced in the United States, that mocks the Prophet Mohammed as a womanizer, child molester and ruthless killer.
The protests peaked on Friday after prayers.
