Debbie Schlussel: "Religion of Peace"/ "Our Allies" The Saudis Update
This item is an update of two categories: "Religion of Peace" and "Our Allies," The Saudis.
A Saudi teacher has been sentenced to three years in prison and 750 lashes(!) for daring to "mock" Islam.
Did the teacher really "mock" Islam (as if that would justify this absurd punishment)? NO!
In a witch-hunt sanctioned by the Saudi government, Mohammed al-Harbi was found guilty of promoting "dubious ideologies" and preventing students from going to wash for prayer.
According to even pro-Islamist BBC, what Harbi really did was criticize Islamic terrorists "who have carried out a series of attacks in the kingdom over the last two and a half years."
Further, Harbi had the gall to discuss Christianity, Judaism and the dangers of terrorism with students, and posted signs against terrorism around his school.
He also reportedly encouraged his students to analyse differences between the Koran and the Sunna, a body of traditional sayings and customs attributed to the prophet Muhammad.
Sentencing Mr Harbi to 750 lashes and 40 months in prison on Saturday, Judge Abdullah Dakhil accused him of "trying to sow doubt in a student's creed".
"Religion of Peace," indeed.
If there's any doubt that the Saudis are supporters of--not our allies against--terrorism, this sickening witch-hunt of a good man should end all doubts.
Saudi Arabia: "Allies in the War on Terror"? I don't think so.
Hat Tip: A friend living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
***UPDATE: Read more about this outrageous episode from our new favorite Saudi expat website, The Religious Policeman (Muttawa).
Posted by Debbie on November 17, 2005 01:20 PM to Debbie Schlussel