Uproar Over Death Mask on French Soldier.Controversy. wmv

The image of the French soldier in a Mask of Death was taken by a photographer from the photo and news agency Agence France Press (AFP) in the city Niono last Sunday.

In retrospect, it has emerged that he has a bandana from the violent computer game Call of Duty over parts of the face.

After the photo was published, it provoked strong reactions on social media.

Comments on twitter vary from those who criticize the unknown soldier to "believe that he is participating in a video game," to those who defend him of "risking his life" in the game.

Did not think the picture would lead to reactions

The man who took the photo, photojournalist Issouf Sanogo, did not think the picture would create insurrection when he took it.

- At the time I perceived the situation as something special or shocking, says the photographer.

A portion of the reaction comes because it seems as if the soldier posing with a death-mask, but it is denied by the photographer.

- The soldier posed not and there was nothing placed over the image, says Issouf Sanogo.

Reactions have been that the French army to distance themselves from the image.

- It is unacceptable behavior, said Col. Thierry Burkhard at a press conference in Paris.

He added that the picture was not representative of "actions that brought France to Mali to help the country" where the French soldiers' put their own lives at risk. "

The French army will now try to identify the soldier in the picture, but it is not clear what kind of reaction he will eventually get.