Egyptian Christian faces trial for insulting Islam (http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/09/egyptian-christian-faces-trial-for-insulting-islam/)
QuoteCAIRO — A prominent Christian Egyptian media mogul faces trial on a charge of insulting Islam, lawyers said Monday, based on his relaying a cartoon on his Twitter account.
The case dates back to June, when Naguib Sawiris posted a cartoon showing a bearded Mickey Mouse and veiled Minnie. He made a public apology after Islamists complained, but his action set off a boycott of his telecom company and other outlets. He said it was supposed to be a joke and apologized, but lawyer Mamdouh Ismail filed a formal complaint against him.
After investigation, the prosecution set the trial for Jan. 14. Sawiris was not available for comment.
The case is linked to developments in Egypt after the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak last February. Sawiris and Ismail belong to competing political parties, and sectarian violence between Christians and Islamists has been on the upswing. In Egypt's parliamentary elections, Islamist parties have won a large majority, leaving liberals far behind.
Sawiris co-founded a liberal party, and Ismail heads a party representing ultraconservative Salafi Muslims.
The case has added to fears among many that ultraconservative Islamists may use their new found powers to try to stifle freedom of expression.
Ismail countered that, saying he took legal action against Sawiris because he wants the law to be respected by all, even a famous businessman and politician, in the post-Mubarak era
"The revolution came about because we all are seeking the rule of law without any exceptions," he said. The charge is punishable by up to one year in prison.
Rights lawyer Gamal Eid said the contempt of religion law, in place even before Mubarak came to power, has been used against scholars and activists whose comments about Islam angered conservatives.
He warned that the wording of the law is vague, and it can become a tool in the hands of prosecutors to punish opponents and appease authorities.
"Contempt of religion is a very vague term, and the prosecution has taken the radical interpretation," he said, "raising questions of whether this is a legal or a political matter."
Last week, a Coptic Christian student was arrested and referred to trial for posting a drawing of the Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. That triggered two days of violence in southern Egypt.
Muslims generally oppose any depiction of the prophet, even favorable ones, for fear it could lead to idolatry. This drawing showed four women asking for the prophet's hand in marriage.
I bet the tourist industry in Egypt is for the chop in the next 2 year.
QuoteLast week, a Coptic Christian student was arrested and referred to trial for posting a drawing of the Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. That triggered two days of violence in southern Egypt.
Bloody nutters!
Muslims don't take kindly to anyone mocking their religion or even depicting the megalomaniac paedophile prophet (peace be upon him). I guess Sawiris can take some comfort he doesn't live in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, this kind of behaviour might end up with him losing his head over there!
Quote from: Crow on January 10, 2012, 12:17:50 PM
QuoteLast week, a Coptic Christian student was arrested and referred to trial for posting a drawing of the Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. That triggered two days of violence in southern Egypt.
Bloody nutters!
Succinct and to the point.
I may never get to see the pyramids.
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 11, 2012, 12:15:46 AM
I may never get to see the pyramids.
It'll be reet, just don't wear your "I'm not with Mohamed" Tee.
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 11, 2012, 12:15:46 AM
I may never get to see the pyramids.
If it gets as bad as the Taliban they'll take them down and build a mosque.
Quote from: Tank on January 11, 2012, 09:20:52 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 11, 2012, 12:15:46 AM
I may never get to see the pyramids.
If it gets as bad as the Taliban they'll take them down and build a mosque.
Never thought about that.
Quote from: Crow on January 11, 2012, 01:40:35 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 11, 2012, 09:20:52 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 11, 2012, 12:15:46 AM
I may never get to see the pyramids.
If it gets as bad as the Taliban they'll take them down and build a mosque.
Never thought about that.
Meh... They'd just make them more rounded and stick a quarter-moon on top.
Quote
sectarian violence between Christians and Islamists has been on the upswing.
Two religions of peace and love.
Quote from: Crocoduck on January 11, 2012, 03:25:41 PM
Two religions of peace and love.
Oh, but they ARE. It's just that the peace and love policy only applies within the different cults and preferably towards the mainstream males only.
Quote from: Tank on January 10, 2012, 11:29:00 AM
I bet the tourist industry in Egypt is for the chop in the next 2 year.
You won't see me going there!
This kind of thing terrifies me. Can you imagine what they'd do to everyone on this forum?
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on January 11, 2012, 03:54:41 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 10, 2012, 11:29:00 AM
I bet the tourist industry in Egypt is for the chop in the next 2 year.
You won't see me going there!
This kind of thing terrifies me. Can you imagine what they'd do to everyone on this forum?
Yes. Whinge impotently at us and get really annoyed that we couldn't care less!
Quote from: Tank on January 11, 2012, 04:33:47 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on January 11, 2012, 03:54:41 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 10, 2012, 11:29:00 AM
I bet the tourist industry in Egypt is for the chop in the next 2 year.
You won't see me going there!
This kind of thing terrifies me. Can you imagine what they'd do to everyone on this forum?
Yes. Whinge impotently at us and get really annoyed that we couldn't care less!
No, I mean if they actually got their hands on us in RL!
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on January 11, 2012, 07:00:18 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 11, 2012, 04:33:47 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on January 11, 2012, 03:54:41 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 10, 2012, 11:29:00 AM
I bet the tourist industry in Egypt is for the chop in the next 2 year.
You won't see me going there!
This kind of thing terrifies me. Can you imagine what they'd do to everyone on this forum?
Yes. Whinge impotently at us and get really annoyed that we couldn't care less!
No, I mean if they actually got their hands on us in RL!
I knew what you meant. I was just pulling your leg ;D
When I was a kid, I always wanted to go to Egypt because I loved Anubis and egyptian mythology.
Being an adult and seeing what Egypt really is, is so disappointing.. T_T!! I never want to go to that part of the world. Ever.
I cant believe anyone would become violent over mocking a fictional prohfet/God/whatever. Ugh, religion is soooo peaceful.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on January 13, 2012, 08:37:10 PM
When I was a kid, I always wanted to go to Egypt because I loved Anubis and egyptian mythology.
Being an adult and seeing what Egypt really is, is so disappointing.. T_T!! I never want to go to that part of the world. Ever.
ditto Iran, Iraq and Syria. They contain some of the most amazing archaeology and ancient ruins in the world, but I worry it'll ever be safe enough for me to go there in my lifetime :(
I went to Egypt over 20 years ago, and the ancient Egyptian sites are amazing, well worth the visit if you ever get the chance SD, and if Egypt has become a safer place to visit.
Oh, wow. I'm envious you got to go before the really insane crisis. Maybe i'll go ib my lifetime, but I must visit the awesome places first.
Like New Zealaaand! I promise I won't dress up as Frodo (not.)
Total de-rail, but I'd also love to go to New Zealand.
One of the guys I work with has a New Zealand accent and it's dreeammmy.
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on January 14, 2012, 06:33:20 PM
Total de-rail, but I'd also love to go to New Zealand.
One of the guys I work with has a New Zealand accent and it's dreeammmy.
I haven't heard that accent before *__*
I love Benedict Cumberbatch's accent. Rawr... And Colin Morgan ... And Bradley James.
No, i'm not biased to BBC at all. XD
Yay for New Zealand!!!!!
Quote from: Sweetdeath on January 14, 2012, 07:00:28 PM
I haven't heard that accent before *__*
Flight of the Concords is good.
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on January 15, 2012, 01:33:13 AM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on January 14, 2012, 07:00:28 PM
I haven't heard that accent before *__*
Flight of the Concords is good.
Love Flight of the Conchords (http://youtu.be/Re0nu9UtEY8)!
There's Fred Dagg, a great NZ philosopher.
The Socratic Paradox (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOlU67C3dqk&list=PLE60557294F8DFA07&index=14&feature=plpp_video)
More of his wisdom here. (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE60557294F8DFA07)
QuoteI never want to go to that part of the world. Ever.
I went to Egypt two years ago, and before I went there I kept being afraid from what they would do If I said or did anything they didn't approve of. But fortunately, except from the fact that they drool all over you for being a female, I didn't actually feel threatened. Maybe they treat tourists differently...
Quote from: MariaEvri on January 15, 2012, 05:24:41 PM
QuoteI never want to go to that part of the world. Ever.
I went to Egypt two years ago, and before I went there I kept being afraid from what they would do If I said or did anything they didn't approve of. But fortunately, except from the fact that they drool all over you for being a female, I didn't actually feel threatened. Maybe they treat tourists differently...
What part did you go to? o_o
(i would like to hear more. :) )
Quote from: Sweetdeath on January 14, 2012, 07:00:28 PM
No, i'm not biased to BBC at all. XD
We will get the east coast back I tell ye! One BBC viewer at a time.
Quote from: Crow on January 16, 2012, 11:43:36 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on January 14, 2012, 07:00:28 PM
No, i'm not biased to BBC at all. XD
We will get the east coast back I tell ye! One BBC viewer at a time.
I love BBC! :D
Btw, noticed your awesome Siddháthra quote. <3
I like public broadcasters, the Massey lectures from Canada was good this year.