Egypt’s top comedian, the 71-year-old but going strong Adel Imam, has been sentenced by a Cairo court to three months in prison and a EGP1000 fine for deriding Islam.
Egypt’s top comedian, the 71-year-old but going strong Adel Imam, has been sentenced by a Cairo court to three months in prison and a EGP1000 fine for deriding Islam.
This ruling upholds a previous one issued last February against the comedian for a case that had been brought to court by an Islamist lawyer.
Imam’s films and plays have always been famous for their liberal, anti-extremist outlook, and have been most popular with the public. The comedian has been known to have played roles that mocked fanatic narrow-mindedness.
Commenting on the ruling, Imam said it is the beginning of curtailing the freedom of art and artists. He said he would contest the ruling.
WATANI International
25 April 2012