Egyptian Comedian's Case Raises Free Speech Concerns

An Egyptian court has upheld the conviction against famous comedian Adel Imam for offending Islam in some of his most popular films. Despite protests by Islamists, he received only a suspended sentence and paid a fine of about $170. NPR's Soraya Nelson reports the court's ruling bolsters worries that an Islamist-ruled Egypt will stifle freedom of speech.

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One of the Arab world's most popular comedic actors is facing jail time in Egypt after a judge ruled he insulted Islam in some of his past film roles. The case worries those already concerned about the growing influence of Islamists in Egypt. NPR's Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson has that story from Cairo.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SORAYA SARHADDI NELSON, BYLINE: In the 1992 comedy, "Terrorism and Kebab," Adel Imam plays a father trying to get bureaucrats in Egypt's largest government building to sign a paper so he can transfer his kids to a new school. But Imam can't find anyone at their post, including one bureaucrat with a traditional Islamic beard who constantly prays to avoid work. The two men scuffle and Imam inadvertently ends up with a rifle. The police wrongly conclude Imam's character is a terrorist who has taken the people in the building hostage.

(SOUNDBITE OF MOVIE, "TERRORISM AND KEBAB")

(SOUNDBITE OF PEOPLE SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

NELSON: In this scene, he coaches the pious bureaucrat on what to say to frighten a little boy into running away so he won't get hurt. The bumbling bureaucrat is so convincing that Imam promises to get him a job on TV:

(SOUNDBITE OF MOVIE, "TERRORISM AND KEBAB")

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Egyptian Comedian's Case Raises Free Speech Concerns