Christian Converts Go On Trial In Turkey

The Associated Press reports that two men who converted to Christianity went on trial yesterday in Turkey, charged under Article 301 of Turkey's Penal Code with insulting "Turkishness" and inciting religious hatred against Islam. The charges against the men include telling potential converts that Islam was "a primitive and fabricated" religion and that Turks would remain "barbarians" as long they continued practicing Islam; speaking out against Turkey's compulsory military service; and compiling databases of possible converts. The trial began just a few days before Pope Benedict XVI visits the country.