Wednesday, February 22, 2006

German Man Prosecuted For Insulting the Quran

In Muenster, Germany, authorities are prosecuting a 61-year-old businessman under Section 166 of the German Criminal Code that prohibits insulting faiths, religious societies or organizations dedicated to a philosophy of life in a manner that is capable of disturbing the public peace. The businessman printed the word "Koran" on toilet paper and sent it to a mosque in Duisburg and to German television stations. Prosecutors say the case was brought to their attention by a complaint the government of Iran sent to the German foreign ministry in Berlin. Yesterday's Expatica reported on the case.

UPDATE: On Feb. 23, the AP reported that the businessman charged in the case was convicted of disturbing the peace and given a one-year suspended jail sentence.