Star's mock-up a spoof too far

LONDON - A staff revolt at the Daily Star prevented publication of a spoof Islamic version of the tabloid called the "Daily Fatwah".

The mock-up, which promised a "Page 3 Burkha Babes Special" and competition to "Burn a Flag and Win a Corsa", was prepared to run as page 6.

It included a spoof leader column under the headline "Allah is Great" but left blank except for a stamp with the word "Censored". But shortly before the Star was due to go to press, concerned journalist union members called a meeting.

The chapel passed a motion saying that the article was "deliberately offensive" to Muslims and expressed fears of "violent and dangerous reprisals".

The newspaper's management complied with its plea to remove the content.

- INDEPENDENT