Egyptian Film Star Wins Reversal of Conviction for Insulting Islam

In Egypt on Wednesday, popular Arab comedian and film star Adel Imam won a reversal of his conviction for insulting Islam.  A trial court had sentenced Imam to 3 months in jail and a fine equivalent to $170 for the roles he played in The Terrorist, and in Terrorism and Kabab. He had also been convicted for his 2007 role in Morgan Ahmed Morgan which included a scene parodying bearded Muslim men wearing traditional Islamic dress. The basis for the reversal of his trial court conviction by the Misdemeanours Court in Haram, Cairo, has been variously reported.  The New York Times says the court found that the conservative Islamist lawyer who had instituted the proceedings was found to lack standing because he had not been personally injured by the movies.  Ahram Online says the appeals court judge had watched the films and concluded that they did not defame Islam.