Egypt Blogger Gets Three Years In Jail For Insulting Religion

An Egyptian blogger was sentenced to three years in jail for insulting religion.

Albert Sabir, 25, was accused of posting videos on his Facebook page questioning Islam, Christianity and other religions, Ahmed Ezzat, a human-rights lawyer who’s following his case, said by phone today. He said they would appeal the verdict.

Sabir, a Coptic Egyptian, was detained on Sept. 13. after posting a video of himself titled “Who is the spokesman for Allah?” in which he argued that every faith claims sole ownership of the truth.

Egypt’s draft constitution, set for Dec. 15, has sparked a wave of criticism from activists and human rights groups, arguing the charter falls short for protecting freedoms and human rights. Article 44 in the draft prohibits insulting any prophet.

To contact the reporter on this story: Salma El Wardany in Cairo at selwardany@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew J. Barden at barden@bloomberg.net