A French satirical magazine has released a 64-page special issue with cartoons on the life of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
"Charlie Hebdo" has sparked controversy in the past by publishing cartoons of Muhammad.
The editor of the magazine, Stephane Charbonnier, last week said that "if people want to be shocked, they will be shocked."
But he denied the "Life of Muhammad" would be a provocation, saying the magazine was "simply putting in images" all that has been written about the Prophet by Muslim writers.
Last year, "Charlie Hebdo" published a Muhammad cartoon that prompted the temporary closure of French embassies and cultural centers in several Muslim countries amid fear of violent protests.
In 2006, it republished Muhammad cartoons that sparked violent Muslim protests worldwide when they were first published in Denmark.
"Charlie Hebdo" has sparked controversy in the past by publishing cartoons of Muhammad.
The editor of the magazine, Stephane Charbonnier, last week said that "if people want to be shocked, they will be shocked."
But he denied the "Life of Muhammad" would be a provocation, saying the magazine was "simply putting in images" all that has been written about the Prophet by Muslim writers.
Last year, "Charlie Hebdo" published a Muhammad cartoon that prompted the temporary closure of French embassies and cultural centers in several Muslim countries amid fear of violent protests.
In 2006, it republished Muhammad cartoons that sparked violent Muslim protests worldwide when they were first published in Denmark.
