Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Egypt orders arrest of US-based Copts over film

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula is escorted by authorities from his home in California on 15 September 2012

The crude production posted on YouTube has sparked violent protests and riots across the Muslim world for its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.

It is unclear who made the film, but it has been linked to an Egyptian Coptic Christian living in the United States.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for US Christian pastor Terry Jones.

The prosecutor's office in Egypt said one woman and seven men, including Mr Jones, are accused of "insulting the Islamic religion, insulting the Prophet and inciting sectarian strife".

The office added that they all could face the death penalty if convicted.

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a convicted fraudster living in California who has already been questioned by police there, is among those facing charges, the prosecutors office said.

The film, a crudely-made portrayal of the life of the Prophet Muhammad ignited angry protests last week, mostly outside US and other Western diplomatic offices.

The unrest in Cairo has been among the most violent. Demonstrators there managed to scale the US embassy, tear down the US flag and replace it with an Islamist one.

Mystery has shrouded the individuals behind the film, entitled Innocence of Muslims.

Florida-based Mr Jones is said to have promoted the film.

He sparked protests two years ago when he pledged to organise a mass burning of copies of the Koran in Florida.



Source & Image : BBC

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