Egypt seeks arrest of Koran-burning pastor Terry Jones
Egypt’s general prosecutor has issued arrest warrants for Florida-based Pastor Terry Jones and seven Egyptian Coptic Christians on charges linked to the anti-Islamic film “Innocence of Muslims” which incited riots across the Muslim World.
The prosecutor’s office says Jones and the seven Egyptians – all of whom are believed to be residing outside of Egypt – are charged with harming national unity, publicly insulting and attacking Islam, and spreading false information, AP reported Tuesday.
All of the accused could face the death penalty.
A statement from the prosecutor says that Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, an Egyptian Copt and convicted conman living in southern California who is believed to be responsible for the film, is among those charged.
On the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, controversial pastor Terry Jones released a video promoting the film, which portrays the Prophet in what he described as a “satirical” manner. Jones said he had been contacted by the filmmaker to promote the video.
There is no information forthcoming on the identity of the six other Coptic Christians – one of whom is said to be a woman – or their role in making the film.
