Anti-Islam protesters in the US have desecrated the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks -- a move bound to stir up strong feelings in the Muslim world.

The streets near Ground Zero in New York, where a memorial service was held for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, became the scene of opposing demonstrations Saturday night.

Over 1,000 people marched in favor of a proposed construction of an Islamic center near Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center prior to the 9/11 attacks, while a block away, other groups rallied against its construction.

In the opposition's rally, a man burned pages from the Muslim holy book in front of press photographers.

Two evangelical preachers in Tennessee also set copies of the Quran on fire and members of the group Operation Rescue tore pages from Islam's holy book.

In another incident, a man ripped out pages from the holy Quran and made vulgar gestures with them. The police did not try to stop any of the incidents.

This comes after a Florida preacher called off plans to burn copies of the Quran on the anniversary of 9/11 attacks.

The pastor's plans sparked criticism by the international community, particularly the Muslim world, and led to protests in several countries including Iran, Afghanistan and India.

Source: presstv.ir