Angry students storm KFC

2009-01-08 10:13

Indonesia - Angry Indonesian Muslim students stormed a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on Thursday in protest against Israel's military strikes on the Gaza Strip.

About 300 protesters gathered outside the US fast food outlet in Palu, Central Sulawesi, waving Palestinian flags, burning US and Israeli emblems and carrying banners condemning Israel as a "terrorist and criminal" state.

A handful of demonstrators then stormed the restaurant, overturning tables and chairs.

"KFC's licence is from America, an important Israeli ally. In consuming US products it means that we give financial contributions to Israel's military strikes on the Palestinian people," protest co-ordinator Maful Haruna said.

The restaurant, which was closed following the protest, was set to reopen on Friday, management said.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and does not recognise Israel.

The Israeli offensive against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which began on December 27, has so far killed 702 Palestinians and wounded 3 100, Gaza medics say.

- AFP