By Dana Khraiche, Wassim Mroue

BEIRUT: Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah warned Monday the U.S. against broadcasting the full version of a film that insults the Prophet Mohammad, in a rare public speech at a large-scale protest in the southern suburb of Beirut.
 
“The U.S. should know that broadcasting the full version of the movie will have very, very, very dangerous repercussions worldwide,” Nasrallah told thousands of Hezbollah and Amal supporters.

"In this battle, we cannot forgive or allow it to pass so easily,” a visibly emotional Nasrallah said.

“If 12 minutes of the film can [create such a reaction as this], what would be the result if the full version was out?” Nasrallah asked, addressing the crowds that packed the streets of the Hezbollah’s stronghold.
 
Tens of thousands of men, women and children took part in the demonstration which Nasrallah called for a day earlier.

The protest is part of a series of movements across the country to protest the “Innocence of Muslims,” a low-budget movie that originated in the U.S. which insults the Prophet Mohammad and has triggered a series of demonstrations in the region against U.S. and other foreign missions.
 
“Oh, the messenger of God, here we come!” thousands chanted in unison while proceeding through the streets ahead of Nasrallah’s surprise speech. The Hezbollah leader, who rarely makes public appearances, last spoke out in the open on December 2011 while marking the holy day of Ashura.

The demonstration, titled “Loyalty to the Greatest Prophet,” took aim at the United States, which Nasrallah Sunday accused was behind the video as part of efforts to sow strife between Christians and Muslims.

Flags of Lebanon, Syria and predominantly Hezbollah and Amal were held high as protesters chanted anti-U.S. and Israeli slogans.

“Death to Israel,” “Death to America” and “America, America you are the great Satan,” the protesters shouted out loud.
 
During his live speech Monday, Nasrallah thanked his supporters for the large turnout and asked the U.S. to stop the broadcast of the movie, which is available on the Internet in most countries, and to prevent the release of the entire version.

The 12-minute clip, which is available on the popular video-sharing website YouTube in many countries, depicts the Prophet Mohammad, regarded by Muslims as the messenger of God, as a pedophile, womanizer, and charlatan among others.
 
“What happened [the film] shows how Muslims need to cooperate and get together regardless of differences here and there,” Nasrallah said.

“The Muslims and Christians have acute awareness, insist on coexistence, have an understanding of the enemy and should direct their anger at the real enemy and no one should dare to drag us into strife,” he added.

During a televised interview on Al-Manar television Sunday, Nasrallah said the film required a “huge stance by the Muslim community that is commensurate with such a danger and aggression.”
 
“The whole world should know that this prophet has followers regardless of how great the sacrifices might be,” Nasrallah told the Hezbollah station.
 
He also called for an international resolution to prohibit insults against religion and called for passing laws in the U.S. that criminalize such acts.
 
Protesters huddled during the protest Monday, with many of them carrying banners slamming the United States.

“The Muslim community will not accept being offended,” and “America is terror,” read some of the placards.
 
“One billion and four hundred millions are at you service, Oh Prophet Mohammad,” read another.

Earlier Monday, Kataeb leader Amin Gemayel criticized Nasrallah's call for the nationwide protests, questioning Hezbollah's ability to guarantee peaceful demonstrations after a protest against the film in the northern city of Tripoli left one dead.

One protester was also killed and over 27 others were injured Friday when stone-throwing demonstrators protesting “Innocence of Muslims” clashed with authorities. The protesters also set fire to U.S. food chains KFC and Hardee’s.
 
The United States warned its citizens in Lebanon Monday that peaceful protests could “escalate into violent clashes.”
 
It asked citizens to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of a protest.
 
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said that his ministry was working with security agencies to protect U.S. institutions in the country.