The Disney cartoon Aladdin has come under attack for demonising Muslims as violent and dangerous.

It is one of a number of popular films accused of depicting 'crude and exaggerated' stereotypes of Muslims and perpetuating Islamaphobia.

Raiders of the Lost Ark, East is East and The Siege are also singled out for criticism by the Islamic Human Rights Commission.

Its report, The British Media And Muslim Representation: The Ideology Of Demonisation, argues Hollywood has a crucial role in influencing how the public views Muslims.

Aladdin falls foul because his homeland is described as 'barbaric' and 'good Arabs' like Aladdin are given American accents while others have 'ridiculous Arab accents'.

A survey conducted as part of the research revealed that Muslims in Britain felt negative images of their faith on the big and small screen had consequences in their daily lives.

Those interviewed 'found a direct correlation between media portrayal and their social experiences of exclusion, discrimination and violence'. [Link]