A U.S.-based Internet service provider has closed down a Web site that a Dutch lawmaker had reserved to post a controversial film that is triggering an uproar in much of the Islamic world.
Network Solutions says it invoked the suspension after receiving complaints related to the film. A statement posted on the Internet says those complaints are under investigation.
Far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders says the 15-minute movie, set for release March 31, will underscore his view that Islam's holy book, the Koran, is fascist. Wilders turned to Internet distribution after television networks refused to air the film.
Network Solutions also cites technical reasons for suspending the Web site, including the anticipated "excessive use of services" by onlookers who could overload and crash the site.
Pakistani officials last month shut down the YouTube video-sharing Web site, because the site carried video clips of the Wilders film. The YouTube ban was lifted days later after Pakistani authorities said the offensive material had been removed.
In 2005, Muslims in much of the world mounted protests against Denmark after Danish newspapers published satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad found by Muslims to be offensive.