Egyptian court sentences in absentia 7 Coptic Christians and US pastor Terry Jones to death over anti-Muslim film

In a move that is being seen as largely symbolic, an Egyptian court sentenced to death in absentia 7 Coptic Christians and  US pastor Terry Jones, famous for burning the Koran in Florida that sparked violent demonstrations in Afghanistan killing 10 people and injuring 78 others,  linked to an anti-Muslim film that sparked riots across the Muslim world.  The sentence is seen as symbolic because all of the convicted persons involved live outside of Egypt in the US and are unlikely to ever be in the country to face the sentence.

The New York Daily News adds that maximum sentences tried in absentia are common in Egypt, and that a religious authority must review the sentence before final sentencing on January 29, 2013.  US pastor Terry Jones was defiant in the face of the sentencing.

Jones told The Associated Press that the ruling “shows the true face of  Islam” — one that he views as intolerant of dissent and opposed to basic  freedoms of speech and religion.

“We can speak out here in America,” Jones said Wednesday. “That freedom means  that we criticize government leadership, religion even at times. Islam is not a  religion that tolerates any type of criticism.”

Dakota O'Leary

Dakota O'Leary is a freethinker, and often sassy, scholar of theology and literature. She got her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theology from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and her Master of Arts degree in Theology and Literature from Antioch University-Midwest. She is a contributing writer focusing on eschatology, biblical prophecy, and general religious news. Dakota is a co-host of the God Discussion radio show, offering insight to the news stories of the week. We like to call her "our in-house Biblical prophecy expert" as her articles on eschatology have received over 200,000 views on God Discussion.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook

  • http://twitter.com/douglasbass Douglas Bass

    It would be great if you could provide the names of the 7 Coptic Christians and the country or countries in which they are currently living.

    I am very disappointed in the actions of the court. They do not seem to realize that an action like this screams to people in the Western world "Whatever you do, don't come to Egypt!"

  • Deborah_B

    My gut feeling is that Jones will milk this for all it's worth.