Malaysia detains Saudi journalist for insulting Islam

Malaysian police have detained a journalist from Saudi Arabia who allegedly made Twitter comments insulting to Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, police said Friday.

Hamza Kashgari, 23, a columnist from Jeddah, was arrested Wednesday after arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport based on a request made by the Saudi authorities via Interpol, a source at police headquarters said on condition of anonymity.

The suspect allegedly posted his controversial comments to mark Prophet Mohammed's birthday last week, outraging thousands of people who called for his execution under Saudi law.

Kashgari would probably be extradited to Saudi Arabia under a bilateral security arrangement between the two countries, the source said.