Egyptian comedian imprisoned

An Egyptian judge sentenced one of the Arab world’s best known comedians to three months in jail for offending Islam.  Al Arabiya News specified that Adel Imam’s prison term includes hard labor and is on top of a $166 fine.

The judge confirmed that Adel Imam was convicted in absentia of “defaming Islam.” His whereabouts are unknown.

The state-run Ahram Online English website reported Imam was found guilty of heresy for a 2007 movie in which he plays a corrupt businessman and a 1998 play about an Arab dictator. Other reports said the court objected to his use of Islamic symbols.

The judge did not elaborate. He said Thursday Imam has the right of appeal. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters.

In the 1980’s, Imam was sentenced to three months in jail for defaming lawyers in a film. That ruling was later overturned.