Pakistan

By Larry Habegger | Permalink |

No Comments | June 3rd, 2003 | Trackback

If the usual risks of terrorism, anti-Americanism and sectarian violence aren’t enough, there’s now another danger to add to the list in Pakistan: going to the circus. A mob of more than 100 youths led by a cleric in Gujranwala, near Lahore, attacked the audience with sticks and clubs, then torched the circus because they felt it was obscene and un-Islamic. Hundreds were injured in the stampede to safety. The mob then attempted to attack another circus but was prevented by police, who closed it down and then force eight theaters to close to avoid further attacks. No arrests were made, despite full knowledge of who was responsible.