Faith

‘Guilty’: Egyptian Court Upholds Famed Arab Comedian’s Jail Sentence for…Insulting Islam

CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian court on Tuesday upheld a conviction against one of the Arab world’s most famous comedians, sentencing him to jail for offending Islam in some of his most popular films.

The case against Adel Imam and others like it have raised concerns among some Egyptians that ultraconservative Muslims who made gains in recent elections after Hosni Mubarak’s ouster last year are trying to foist their religious views on the entire country. Critics say the trend threatens to curb Egypt’s vibrant film industry and freedom of speech.

Egyptian Court Upholds Adel Imam Jail Sentence for Insulting Islam

In this Sunday, Nov. 11, 2005 file photo, Egyptian film actor and comedian Adel Imam, right, walks with Egyptian actress Laila Elwi, left, during the Second Dubai International Film Festival red carpet reception in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Aziz Shah, File)

Imam was sentenced to three months in jail and fined around $170 for insulting Islam in roles he played in movies such as “The Terrorist”, in which he acted the role of a wanted terrorist who found refuge with a middle class, moderate family, and the film “Terrorism and Kabab. ”

The actor was also found guilty for his 2007 role in “Morgan Ahmed Morgan,” in which Imam played a corrupt businessman who tries to buy a university diploma. The film included a scene parodying bearded Muslim men wearing traditional Islamic clothing.

The case is one of many brought by conservative lawyers in recent months seeking to punish individuals they deem as having offended Islam. Earlier this year, two courts rejected blasphemy cases against Christian media mogul, Naguib Sawiris, after he relayed a cartoon online of Mickey Mouse with a beard and Minnie in a face veil.

Egyptian Court Upholds Adel Imam Jail Sentence for Insulting IslamThe cases highlight the newfound sense of empowerment among followers of the ultraconservative Salafi trend of Islam in Egypt after Mubarak was toppled in a popular uprising. Their newly formed Al-Nour party won 25 percent of seats in parliament, emerging as the second most powerful group in Egypt after the more moderate Muslim Brotherhood.

The mere filing of such blasphemy cases by Salafi lawyers has raised concern among rights groups and liberals about attempts to curb freedom of speech.

Egyptian entertainment reporter Tarek el-Shinnawi said the case against Imam is a setback for Cairo’s famed film industry, which has produced the region’s most popular films.

“It will make any writer, director or actor think before considering the role of a Muslim figure,” el-Shinnawi said.

Egyptian Court Upholds Adel Imam Jail Sentence for Insulting IslamImam was initially found guilty in February in a case brought by an ultraconservative Islamist lawyer. He was given a retrial since he was first tried in absentia. He did not appear in court Tuesday but his lawyers did. Imam has the right to appeal.

Under Mubarak, government censors controlled what could be shown in theaters or filmed by major studios. The films Imam starred in were approved by the censors.

El-Shinnawi argued that a legally sound case would involve the writers and directors, and the censors who approved the movies, not just the star of the films.

Imam, 71, has acted in dozens of films in a career that spans nearly 50 years.

Long a beloved figured in Egypt, Imam lost popularity among Egyptian protesters for supporting Mubarak during last year’s 18-day revolt.

In one of his most popular roles, Imam played an Arab dictator in a 1998 satirical play called el-Zaeem. The play has since been aired on satellite television across the Arab world, bypassing state censors and gaining popularity through its comedic take of a tyrannical figure.

Comments (37)

1 2
  • Restore the Republic
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:59am

    Hey islamofascists… Phukkkkk Mohamed and your Islamofascist mythology. yea I said it. deal with it.

    Report Post » Restore the Republic  
  • RinkyDink34
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 8:58pm

    I guess this Comedian should count his blessings and be happy that his barbarian accusers didn’t have him publicly executed.

    Report Post » RinkyDink34  
    • the Anti-Dem
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 9:13pm

      Sad, but true my friend. What’s the difference between a radical Muslim and a Christian? The radical Muslim has a party, passing out sweets, when a bunch of unsuspecting people die in a cowardly attack. Compare that to the average Christian, that would sincerely grieve for the families and pray for the victims of such an animalistic attack.

      Report Post » the Anti-Dem  
  • the Anti-Dem
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 8:58pm

    Where are you Imam, or CAIR representative? Do you have no ground to stand upon and debate?

    Report Post » the Anti-Dem  
  • the Anti-Dem
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 8:49pm

    If I were a god, or even a self proclaimed, unattested “prophet” with absolutely zero historically fulfilled prophecies, then I would make a far bigger priority of confirming myself through prophecy, miracles, etc. If, however, I were an arrogant a$$, and a con man, then I would issue threats and death to anyone that dared question me. The God of Israel gave the Law of Moses and revealed the perfect moral standard through the ten commandments…..and became a lamb of slaughter and life through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mohammed calls for death of infidels and promises getting your brains screwed out by 72 “virgins”……….compare the two, and see which one seems more noble, divine, and praiseworthy.

    Report Post » the Anti-Dem  
  • the Anti-Dem
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 8:06pm

    “Guilty”, yes you are Egypt, guilty of being humorless cowards that have to kill any rational questions to your faith. If your religion had any moral firmness, and a truly just and all powerful god, then it seems fairly certain that the god supposedly standing behind it would NEVER, as a matter of principle and honor, condone cowardly sneak attacks on unarmed civilians, unless of corse, he himself is a lying piece of crap.

    Report Post » the Anti-Dem  
  • the Anti-Dem
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 7:27pm

    Insulting Islam is a crime? Heh heh, does that mean that Islam is guilty of a crime against reason, history, and common sense? If these Egyptians want to embarrass themselves by beating women like rented mules, and “honor killing” anyone in their family that fails to act as primitive and stupid as they are, then my recommendation would be to get the hell out of Egypt while you can. Real men…..American men, will welcome you with open arms and celebrate the beauty of your brown eyes and skin, and encourage you to be all that YOU dream of being with no fear of being beaten and treated as property.

    Report Post » the Anti-Dem  
  • silentme63
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 7:24pm

    But Islam is a religion of peace, they don’t kill christians, burn churches, stone and degrade women, destroy infidels, you guys are wrong.. :) I tried..

    Report Post »  
  • Watchyer6
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 5:51pm

    Welcome to the “Arab Spring.” Obama just gave the Muslim Brotherhood $1.5 billion.

    Report Post » Watchyer6  
  • wheeler44
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 5:50pm

    I’m insulted that there was even a trial. Of course he’s guilty. Stone him immediately. And maybe all his relations just for good measure.

    Report Post »  
  • karmon7
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 4:49pm

    Everyone posting here has convinced me that Obama is really a lapsed Muslim. For a long while I thought Barry was just a drunk, doing things in an alcoholic haze. That he ate dog seemed to be obvious when he constantly praised China and how they’ve progressed (removing dog from menus in restaurants during the Olympics). But old customs die hard. I’ve never seen him pet Bo with his right hand. And his decision to kill the pirate and Osama were incompatible with his bleeding heart in other areas.

    Report Post » karmon7  
  • SeekerEmerald
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 4:46pm

    I still don’t understand why liberals LOVE to defend ultra-conservative muslims, but hold no higher contempt for a conservative Christian or Jew.

    To liberals it’s OK for a muslim to kill a family member for dishonoring the family, but they won’t stand for a christian so much as praying in a public place.

    Report Post » SeekerEmerald  
  • SetOurChildrenFree
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 4:33pm

    Where is “Mr. human rights” Obama when it comes to speaking out about the millions of Chrisitans being persecuted worldwide, many of them at the hands of Muslims?

    Report Post »  
  • OniKaze
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 4:26pm

    Are they kidding?? I mean, don’t they know that their WHOLE RELIGION is a joke… This guy just helps make the joke mainstream…

    Muslims (as a whole) are ignorant, selfish, bigots and oppressive. Their whole religion is phoney (phonier than any other religion at least) and anyone who follows it obviously doesn’t have a free-thinking brain cell in their entire body…

    Ohh Yeah… And Mohammad was a child-raping false prophet….

    Did I miss anything???

    Report Post » OniKaze  
  • Lurchbus
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 3:54pm

    Islam :HAHAHA. Put me in Jail !!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • USA-Ron
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 6:09pm

      here is a hahahahaha, from the Islam area ……….

      A Russian, a Cuban, an Englishman and a Pakistani are on a train.

      The Russian takes out a bottle of his best vodka, drinks a bit and throws the rest off the train and says, “There’s plenty more of that where I come from.”

      Everyone is impressed. The Cuban takes out one of the finest Havana cigars, takes one puff and throws it off the train and says, “There’s plenty more of those where I come from.”

      Again everyone is rather impressed.
      So the Englishman stands up and throws the Pakistani off the train.

      hahahahahahaha lol

      don’t turn me in, I don’t want to go to jail

      Report Post »  
  • mcFirst
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 3:39pm

    These are the front lines. don’t look for people being bombed anymore. Look for the soft threats of now just saying saying the wrong thing.

    Report Post » mcFirst  
  • leonardo44
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:55pm

    Are the Egyptians really surprised by all this ?? Look who has a majority in the parliament, that fun loving Muslim Brotherhood, you know the ones that are in favor of FGM. Those people are a barrel of laughs. Where’s the Muslim Sisterhood, that’s what i want to know ? The ones in favor of MGM.
    Take that and stuff it in your turban you militant islamic freak shows ….

    Report Post »  
  • Khedewia
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:48pm

    Adel Imam! I love that actor. He is so funny. I saw the movie The Terrorist (English subtitles). It was a really good movie and not insulting to Islam, maybe radical Islam yes. The movie was basically condemning the violence of radical Islam. When the whole thing started in Egypt a year ago, my first thought was, the actors and actresses had better leave Egypt while they can. Things are changing. I am so sad for Adel Imam.

    Report Post »  
  • Mamma Bear
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:46pm

    Only three months?!?!?! Wow, would have expected them to excute him. Isn’t that what the Koran demands. Islam is just pure EVIL.

    Report Post »  
  • SiToNiTsOrOs1
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:38pm

    THIS IS NOT WHAT A REPUBLIC LOOKS LIKE!!!! I guess that “arab spring” has sprung afowl in Egypt. So much for the individual. THIS IS WHAT ISLAM LOOKS LIKE!!!!!!

    Islamists are whiners; they should take their foot ball and go to Iran. Woe be to the people of Egypt.

    Report Post » SiToNiTsOrOs1  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:48pm

      and we are still give all these arab countries{that want to destroy us}…….billions of taxpayer dollars

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:29pm

    .
    CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian court on Tuesday upheld a conviction against one of the Arab world’s most famous comedians, sentencing him to jail for offending Islam in some of his most popular films…..

    Jail? Shoot!!! I thought they would at least cut his head off………..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:29pm

    The woman behind him has on a low cut dress and her face is uncovered, charges pending?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • mickgringo
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 3:58pm

      Egyptian MILF material for sure… The Dude approves and abides! Wonder if that’s where my rug went?

      Report Post » mickgringo  
  • cessna152
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:24pm

    ….and Christians are the hateful, evil demonizes? Dopey atheists! Dopey leftists! Dopey “Americans” that are too stupid to think for themselves!

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • Mark0331
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 4:03pm

      You know the ‘sympathizers’ in our nation will say “Well, its their culture blah blah blah” or ‘He only is getting three months in jail’…3 months of being beaten and tortured in an Egyptian Prison…We should never forget that Barry cheered this Revolution on, and the one in Libya, and the one in Syria….

      Report Post » Mark0331  
  • zoro51
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:21pm

    islam is a MAN MADE CULT OF HATE N DEATH.. murdering muslums one n all beating killing raping their own kind in MAN MADE UP LAWS that benefit NO ONE. thier god A FALSE STONE IDOL.. only HELL awaits ALL MUSLUMS… not heaven… no 70 virgins only FLAMES OF HELL….. OH was that insulting.. PITTY im NOT a MURDERING MUSLUM…….

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • lukerw
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:19pm

    No one expects… The Inquisition!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • Sikki
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 3:06pm

      hahahaha!

      Report Post »  
    • JimmyP
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 7:13pm

      And we have it on good Amurican authority that the Moo-slim Bro-hood s-chews violets! So there, you closed-minded cornservatives!

      (A certain Bulwinkle J. Moose once stated to his pal Rocket J. Squirrel that he likes Violents because “they smell so nice”.)

      PS Ms Spellings intended!

      Report Post » JimmyP  
    • JimmyP
      Posted on April 24, 2012 at 7:15pm

      The Inquisition….
      Let’s begin…
      The Inquisition….
      Lookout sin…
      The Inquisition….
      Oy-vey!

      Report Post » JimmyP  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on April 24, 2012 at 2:17pm

    That Bill Kristol, he must have a crystal ball. This democratic revolution is working out great!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love