An Egyptian Christian teenager has been sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly insulting Islam.
According to Compass Direct News (CDN) Gamal Abdou Massoud, 17, was sentenced last Wednesday.
The juvenile court claimed that he posted cartoons on his Facebook account last December mocking Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. The court also claimed that he distributed pictures to fellow students.
Massoud denies the charges.
Compass said that Muslims in his home town of Assuit rioted when the allegations first came to light.
They reportedly fire-bombed his home and burned down at least five other Christian-owned homes in several Assuit villages. Massoud's family took the decision to leave the village.
The court held Massoud responsible for inciting the riots. The perpetrators of the violence have not been brought to justice.
The sentencing of Massoud will raise concerns about free speech and the equality of Christians in Egypt.
There is concern about the unfair application of the law when Muslim public figures insult Christianity, which according to Compass, happens "often".
Copts make up around 10 per cent of the Egyptian population. They experienced discrimination under the regime of Hosni Mubarak but there are fears that their plight will not be any better in the new Egypt dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
Most Popular
News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth.
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches.
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.