Saudi writer charged with blasphemy

By MUHAMMAD HUMAIDAN | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: The Summary Court in Jeddah is expected to look into complaints raised by a number of people against a Saudi writer for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Saudi writer had allegedly described a Hadith of the Prophet as barbaric, during a program on Al-Hurra Channel, which is presented by Nadeen Al-Badr.

Sources told Arab News that the court had sent a copy of the lawsuit filed against the man to Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa in order to seek his opinion on the issue.

The plaintiffs have presented audio and visual evidence to prove their argument. They want the court to give the writer a strong punishment in accordance with the Shariah law.

The Saudi plaintiffs said the writer’s action would not be accepted by any Muslim who is proud of his religion. They said such actions would not be tolerated in the land of the Two Holy Mosques.

The plaintiffs have presented a copy of the writer’s interview with the television channel to the court along with their complaint in which they accused the writer of attacking the prophet’s personality.

This is the second lawsuit filed against media organizations and media persons for allegedly insulting the Hadith or Sayings of the Prophet.

Previously a group of Saudis filed a lawsuit against Al Arabiya Channel and one of its program presenters. A verdict has not yet been issued on the case.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Othaim, chief justice at the summary court in Jeddah, said in a previous statement that the case had been passed to the Justice Ministry to look into it or transfer it to the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Comments

A. MOHAMMED

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This type of rulings are common around the world. Insulting the Kings, Queen, Soldiers at war, the country, etc. I guess in this case, blasphamy.

TENDERHEART

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I beg you to show clemency, and to honor the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) by a display of the compassion he would have shown towards this man. He would have forgiven him this breach of love. I invite you to show mercy, and love equal to that of the Prophet's. I send my kiss of peace as my own offering to repair this terrible action from my side of the ocean... I will pray God's wisdom on the judges hearing this case. Thinking of you, and praying that God will console your broken hearts. All my love.

BINTORI

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There has to be a strong deterrent to such persons, not only land of holy mosques, Muslims world wide will not tolerate blasphemy. They must be dealt as per Shariah.

ROBYN GRAVES

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We've seen these kind of lawsuits before. They will multiply exponentially if they are taken seriously. The effort to control others' speech is not about protecting Truth. Truth is eternal and will overcome all Deception. Rather there are those that think that they are personally in possession of all truth and now wish to have all power as well. Muslims should not tolerate elitism and self-righteousness.

AHMAD

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In this news item, there is no mention of the accused person and his particular blasphemous writing! Without these, the news is only partial. Why don't you enlighten the readers?
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