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A Saudi journalist awaiting interrogation over Tweets deemed insulting to Islam's Prophet Mohammed insists that he has repented, a relative told AFP Wednesday.
Hamza Kashgari “has affirmed to his family that he stands by his repentance, that he has made a mistake and regrets it,” said the family member on condition of anonymity.
The 23-year-old fled to Malaysia after his comments sparked a wave of condemnations and threats against his life, but was deported back to Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Upon his return from Malaysia, Kashgari “informed his family he is in very good condition,” the source said. “His family is still waiting for authorities to allow them to visit him and appoint a defence lawyer.”
A Saudi lawyer told AFP on Tuesday that Kashgari “has not yet been interrogated and we hope this issue ends before it reaches the attorney general.”
Saudi English-language daily Arab News reported earlier this week that Kashgari would face blasphemy charges.
On the occasion of the Muslim prophet's birthday, Kashgari tweeted: “I have loved things about you and I have hated things about you and there is a lot I don't understand about you.”
“I will not pray for you.”
His post sparked outrage and prompted thousands to call on a Facebook page entitled “The Saudi people demand Hamza Kashgari's execution” for him to be executed. The page already has more than 23,000 members.
Kashgari had quickly apologised for his comments, tweeting: “I have made a mistake, and I hope Allah and all those whom I have offended will forgive me.”
The European Union said Monday that it was “deeply disappointed” that Malaysia deported Kashgari.
Kashgari was a columnist at the Jeddah-based Al-Bilad newspaper, which fired him after the controversy over his tweets.
Insulting the Mohammed is considered blasphemous in Islam and is a crime punishable by death in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.
A committee of top clerics branded Kashgari an “infidel” and demanded his trial in an Islamic court.
Others have defended Kashgari.
Prominent Saudi cleric Salman al-Odeh tweeted: “His repentance from what he said has comforted me. I feel the sincerity of his statements and call onto my brothers to pray for him.” - Sapa-AFP
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Ahmed, wrote
Mahmood - "the ultra conservatives saudis are not always correct in their handling of these matters". May i ask what islamic qualification do you hold to judge us or to comment on islamic matters which you , brother mahmood, have no clue about ? We are governed by islamic laws - something of which you have not been exposed to in your daily life. It is advisable for you to rather comment on the Stock Exchange than to comment on "our" laws.
zaheer, wrote
i hope danny can educate himself more about islam,islam promotes respect for humanity ,even though one may belong to a different faith.Dont pass judgement against a faith because of a few individuals that insulted other religions.If the followers of a faith deviate from the teachings of that faith it does not make that faith a bad faith ,like the (Christian )Timothy Mcveigh every Christian cannot be classified as a terrorist because of his action in The Okhlahoma City Bombing
Mohammed, wrote
Danny, No Muslim dare insults any of Prophets! Prophets Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, David, Noah, Adam, Solomon, etc (May AlMIGHTY God's Peace and Blessing be on them all) are most respected personalities in Islam. If ever someone tried to insult any messenger of ALMIGHTY God, you can be rest assured that Muslims will react angrily. For your information, even if someone insulted our Mother, The Virgin Mary, we would defend her honour. Do you know that our Beolved Prophet Jesus's name is mentioned more often in the Holy Quraan, than our Adored Prophet Muhammed (May ALMIGHTY God's Peace and Blessings be on them). Are you aware that their is an entire Chapter in the Holy Quraan on our Mother, The Virgin Mary. Similarly, the Quraan speaks righteously about Prophets Abraham and Moses (May ALMIGHTY God's Peace and Blessings be on them). A Muslims faith is incomplete if his belief rejects even one prophet of ALMIGHTY God. Educate yourself before posting comments!
Zeff, wrote
You can be certain that any belief system that has blaspheme laws, isn't true. That's why they have them.
Frank Dlamini, wrote
Trick - He might succeed with that trick elsewhere .... i understand the saudis are very fond of their Prophet in will not allow such "blasphemous" actions.
Mahmood, wrote
No Danny we are not allowed to insult other religions. We are commanded to debate and engage in dialogue about these matters with other religious groups. We are also expected to protect the religious buildings and specifically churches and synagogues. Pity the adherents are not properly schooled in these matters. The ultra conservative Saudis are not always correct in their handling of these matters. The man repents and this must be accepted. The imbeciles who ask for the death of the errant person should be taken to task and asked to looked at their own sins first then talk.
Danny, wrote
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