Fox News apologises for claims of ‘totally Muslim’ no-go zones in Europe
US television network Fox News has apologised several times on air for claiming there are “totally Muslim” no-go zones in Europe.
The lengthy apology was broadcast several times on Sunday (Jan 18).
Following deadly attacks in France, commentators on the network and anchors suggested there were areas in France and Britain where non-Muslims are not allowed in and police won’t go.
Security analyst Steven Emerson said a week ago that “non-Muslims just simply don’t go in” to the British city of Birmingham, during a discussion on multiculturalism.
An uproar followed on Twitter where the hashtag #Foxnewsfacts was used to lampoon the news network.
Three days of violence in France left 17 people dead earlier this month, including 12 people at the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
The newspaper had angered many Muslims over its repeated publication of cartoons depicting the Muslim prophet Mohammed.
Fox News' comments drew ire from politicians.
British Prime Minister David Cameron called Mr Emerson a “complete idiot.”
Fox News said “we deeply regret the errors,” but added a caveat.
“There are certainly areas of high-crime in Europe, as there are in the United States and other countries, where police and visitors enter with caution,” it said.
Source: AFP, YouTube
Related report:
Gunmen who killed 12 at Charlie Hebdo office in Paris killed; Gunman who took people hostage in Jewish supermarket also killed
Fox News pundit calls Birmingham 'totally Muslim' city, sparks satirical tweets
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