In January of 2006, a Norwegian newspaper reprinted these cartoons and large demonstrations occurred in many parts of the world throughout January and February, particularly in predominantly Muslim countries, like Saudi Arabia, or in countries with significant Muslim minorities like Great Britain, to protest this sacrilege. Danish goods were boycotted and withdrawn from many stores in Muslim countries. The Danish and Norwegian embassies were attacked in several countries, and protests were held in front of the embassies of other Western countries which were perceived as supportive of the dissemination of these cartoons. Riots occurred in some countries and loss of life was reported. Some rioters, for example in Lebanon and Nigeria, turned their outrage on local Christian communities.
By March of 2006, much of the protest subsided, though a general boycott of Danish goods still continues as of the beginning of April, 2006. Having said that, many people on both sides of the issue, those who feel that the publication of these cartoons is protected under Western law freedom of speech and expression and those who feel that these cartoons are just another example of the Western assault on Islam and Muslims, still feel that an injustice has been done.