Fallaci Trial On Defaming Islam Begins Today In Italy

In Italy today journalist and author Oriana Fallaci goes on trial charged by Muslim activist Adel Smith with defaming Islam, according to Mainichi Daily News. The charges grow out of a 2004 book, The Force of Reason, in which Fallaci says "To be under the illusion that there is a good Islam and a bad Islam or not to understand that Islam is only one ... is against reason." Fallaci is being tried under an Italian law that prohibits "outrage to religion". The author, who lives in New York, will not attend today's hearing in the city of Bergamo. The AP reported earlier that Italy's Justice Minister sides with Fallaci, saying that she has expressed deep criticism of Islam, but not defamation.