Bahrain has condemned a controversial film that defames Prophet Mohammed and called for those behind it to be held accountable, while also strongly denouncing the attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi.

"Bahrain strongly condemns the film defaming the Prophet," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement yesterday, describing the movie as "an affront to principles of respect of all religions, ethical and human values."

Bahrain also called on the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation and Islamic states to "take a strong stand against these heinous acts which fuel sedition."

US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three of his colleagues were killed when the American Consulate in Benghazi came under attack yesterday (September 12), prompting an apology from Libyan authorities.

Security is now expected to be stepped up at the US Embassy in Bahrain after President Barack Obama ordered American diplomatic missions around the world to take extra measures to safeguard its staff.

The film Innocence of Muslims - which has also been given other titles on some websites - was written and directed by Israeli-American Sam Bacile. It cost $5 million and depicts Prophet Mohammed as a philanderer who approves an array of sins.

Bacile told the Associated Press that it was funded by more than 100 Jewish donors and was meant to be a provocative political statement condemning Islam. – TradeArabia News Service