Muhammad Cartoonist in Hiding After Arson Attack

A Swedish artist whose drawing of the Prophet Muhammad with a dogs body angered Muslims said Sunday he doesn’t feel safe in his home at night, after a week of attacks against him.

Lars Vilks told The Associated Press he has started sleeping elsewhere since an attempted arson attack Friday against his home in Nyhamnslage, southern Sweden.

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“During the day I don’t think it is dangerous because I can keep watch over myself,” Vilks said. “But I have to realize that I can’t be there during the night.”

The artist has faced numerous threats over his 2007 sketch. Earlier this year, U.S. investigators said Vilks was the target of an alleged murder plot involving Colleen LaRose, an American woman who dubbed herself “Jihad Jane,” and who now faces life in prison. She has pleaded not guilty.

Swedish police arrested a 21-year-old man late Saturday and a 19-year-old man on Sunday on suspcion of the attempted arson attack. Earlier Saturday, they had found bottles filled with gasoline and minor fire damage to Vilks’ home. Several windows at the artist’s house had also been smashed. Vilks was not home during the attack.

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[Another recent story on attacks on Lars Vilks can be read here.]