September 07, 2006

Blasphemous Sudanese Journalist Beheaded

Religion of beheading blasphemers watch. Mohamed Taha had been convicted of blasphemy by the Islamist government of the Sudan, but was released after apologizing and paying a fine. But apparently the apology wasn't enough, Taha was kidnapped and beheaded for his crime against Islam by those who thought that the government's suppression of his newspaper wasn't good enough.

Via SeeMonk, this from the Washington Post:

A Sudanese newspaper editor who infuriated Muslim fundamentalists last year by printing an article that concerned questions about the parentage of the prophet Muhammad was found dead Wednesday in Khartoum, the capital.

Masked gunmen abducted Mohamed Taha, editor in chief of Al-Wifaq, from his home Tuesday. His decapitated body was found Wednesday in another section of the city. His head was beside the body, and his hands and feet had been bound, the Reuters news service reported...

Last year, Taha published an article that referred to a centuries-old text by a Muslim historian that raised questions about the prophet's lineage. Religious leaders in Khartoum denounced Taha's work, and scores of protesters called for his death.

Prosecutors tried Taha for blasphemy, a charge that can carry the death penalty under sharia , or Islamic law, in Sudan. Taha, who was fined about $3,000, apologized in print for upsetting Muslims. His newspaper also was temporarily suspended from printing.

And, for the love of all that is holy, please go to SeeMonk's blog. Seriously. Especially Greg. Not new guy Greg, but old Greg.

By Rusty Shackleford, Ph.D. at 10:05 AM | |