IRFN (Aug. 7-14): Dutch MP Proposes Banning the Koran

Aug 15, 2007

International Religious Freedom Archive
If you would like to sign up to have these weekly newsletters delivered straight to your e-mail inbox, click here.

1. Morocco Confiscates Publication Deemed "Offensive" to King and Islam (Aug. 5)
2. Dutch MP Proposes Banning the Koran (Aug. 8)
3. Saudi Arabia: Ban on Non-Islamic Religious Literature and Symbols Enforced (Aug. 9)
4. Egyptian Convert Receives Death Threats After Case is Publicized (Aug. 9)
5. Azerbaijan: Baptist Pastor Sentenced to Two Years in Prison (Aug. 9)
6. Ireland's National Police Prohibits Sikh Officers from Wearing Turbans (Aug. 13)
7. Iran: Christian Beaten, Tortured by Police for Suspected Conversion (Aug. 13)

Features:
The continuing discussion on apostasy and the right to change one's religion in Egypt, by Nashwa Abdel-Tawab for Al-Ahram

Repression of Freedom of Religion in Tibet Continues Unabated, from Freedom House

1. Morocco Confiscates Publication Deemed "Offensive" to King and Islam
August 5
Morocco
Reporters Without Borders reports that the government of Morocco confiscated issue 113-114 of the Arabic-language weekly Nichane for the publication of an article on "Sex in Islamic culture" which was deemed to contain, among other things, "expressions contrary to morality that offend the feelings of Muslims". Police in Casablanca took Nichane's editor, Ahmed Benchemsi, into custody for questioning, later seizing copies of Benchemsi's other publication, TelQel, for examples of what it deemed "disrespect for the king". The article in question contained quotes and illustrations about sexuality from Arabic and Muslim poets and ancient painters.

2. Dutch MP Proposes Banning the Koran
August 8
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Reuters reports that Geert Wilders, a Dutch MP from the Partij voor de Vrijheid (Party for Freedom) has called for a ban on the Koran in the Netherlands. In a piece published in De Volkskrant, a Dutch daily, Wilders suggested that "this wretched book" should be banned "just like Mein Kampf is banned" so that the Koran could not be used as "an excuse or inspiration for violence". Wilders has also supported banning face veils and construction of new mosques, and has proposed halting immigration of Muslims to the country.

3. Saudi Arabia: Ban on Non-Islamic Religious Literature and Symbols Enforced
August 9
Saudi Arabia
The Jerusalem Post reports that Saudi officials have confirmed that those entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with books or symbols of religions other than Islam will encounter difficulties with the authorities. An official at the Saudi Consulate in New York explained that those who entered the country wearing a cross or Star of David, or carrying religious literature, would have those items confiscated. The travel guide for Saudi Arabian Airlines' website appears to confirm this (see 'Customs Regulations').

4. Egyptian Convert Receives Death Threats After Case is Publicized
August 9
Cairo, Egypt
The Associated Press reports that Mohamed Hegazy, Egypt's first-ever example of a born Muslim seeking legal recognition of his conversion away from Islam, has received death threats and has had problems retaining legal counsel since his case became public. Hegazy, who was baptized into the Coptic Orthodox Church last year, wants to ensure that he will be able to raise his children as Christians, as under Egyptian law, any children he has will be registered under the legally-recognized religion of the father. As Hegazy is still a Muslim in the eyes of the government, this would create difficulty should his children choose to practice Christianity openly or want to marry a non-Muslim.

5. Azerbaijan: Baptist Pastor Sentenced to Two Years in Prison
August 9
Aliabad, Azerbaijan
Forum 18 reports that Zaur Balaev, a Baptist pastor from the town of Aliabad, in northern Azerbaijan, has received a sentence of two years in prison for "using violence against a state representative" and "holding illegal meetings under the guise of religious activity". Witnesses for the prosecution claim they were pressured into testifying by the police and had no firsthand knowledge of the crimes Balaev was accused of. Balaev, who has been in detention since police raided a May 20th worship service in which he was taking part, is said to have been beaten while in prison and suffered two heart attacks. Please read the entire Forum 18 post for full details.

6. Ireland's National Police Prohibits Sikh Officers from Wearing Turbans
August 13
Dublin, Ireland
The Independent reports that Irish Integration Minister Conor Lenihan has backed a ruling by Ireland's Garda Síochána (National Police) that a Sikh member of the Garda Reserve will not be permitted to wear his turban while serving in the Reserves. The man, an IT professional, was told by Lenihan that "immigrants [to Ireland] must accept our culture". The Garda is currently considering various policies on headgear for those who work with the force and in the reserves.

7. Iran: Christian Beaten, Tortured by Police for Suspected Conversion
August 13
Tehran, Iran
Iran Focus (Warning: link contains violent images) reports that an Iranian man identified as only A.Sh. was tortured by Iranian security agents after they found a Bible and a DVD about Jesus Christ in his car. While being held at a detention center, the man was beaten and accused of having converted from Islam to Christianity, which is punishable as a crime in Iran. A.Sh. was released after his family posted bail. The story, along with photos, was originally reported by the Farsi Christian News Network.