Egypt planning to try eight people over anti-Islam film

Published on 19/09/2012 00:00

Seven Egyptian Coptic Christians living abroad and a US pastor will be tried for insulting Islam over a film made in California which mocks the Prophet Mohammad, Egypt’s public prosecutor has said.

The Egyptians include US-based Morris Sadek, who has said he promoted the film that provoked outrage in the Muslims world.

Florida pastor Terry Jones, who previously angered Muslims in 2010 by threatening to burn the Koran and who has expressed support for the film, is also accused.

The public prosecutor said in a statement that convictions could be punishable by the death penalty and called for the seven Copts and Jones to be handed over to Egypt. He did not say in which the countries the Copts were.

A judicial source said two Egyptian lawyers had raised the suit with the public prosecutor, who referred the case to a criminal court yesterday.

Anger at the film has stretched across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. In several cities, protesters attacked US embassies, blaming America for the video. In Egypt, protesters clambered over the embassy wall and tore down the US flag, and clashed with police in streets nearby for four days.

The short film, Innocence of Muslims, portrayed the Prophet as a womaniser, a thug and a child molester. Clips have circulated on the internet for weeks.

The seven Copts to be tried also include Elia Basseley, 55, who the prosecutor said was also known as Nakoula Basseley Nakoula. He has been interviewed by US federal officers investigating possible probation violations.