Belgian town bans 'Saddam shark'

The "Saddam Shark" was named after Damien Hirst's artwork. Click to enlargeA town in Belgium has banned an artwork of Saddam Hussein for fear that it will put off tourists and offend Muslims. The piece, called Saddam Hussein Shark, shows the handcuffed ex-Iraqi ruler suspended in liquid and wearing nothing more than underpants. The mayor of Middelkerke, Michel Landuyt, said the work could "shock people", including Muslims. He said he decided to ban Czech artist David Cerny's sculpture before the row over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The Saddam piece, which echoes British artist Damien Hirst's famous shark suspended in formaldehyde, was first shown in Prague last September. 'Too shocking' But Mr Landuyt felt its exhibition would be too much for the small Belgian seaside town. "In my view, it was too shocking," he said. For complete story click here