Adel Imam imprisoned for defaming Islam

The Egyptian film star and the Arab world’s most famous comedian, Adel Imam has received a three-month jail term with hard labour for his portrayal of Muslim characters on stage and screen, a newspaper reported on Thursday. Al-Ahram Online reported that Imam was granted the sentence in addition to a fine of approximately $166 for “defaming Islam” in some of the roles he has played. Imam, who is considered to be one of the Arab world’s biggest film stars, with 40 years of box office hits in and plays under his belt, was sentenced in absentia. Meanwhile, Mohamed El-Adl, a cinema producer, and a member of newly formed Egyptian Creativity Front to defeat the freedom of creativity said that the organisation will take firm action towards the sentencing of Adel Imam.