Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the shadowy figure behind a provocative anti-Islam film — the trailer of which led to violence in parts of Asia and North Africa — has been arrested. However, his detainment has nothing to do with the film.
The California-based man who is said to have made Innocence of Muslims — apparently an Egyptian Coptic Christian also known by names such as “Sam Bacile”, “Mark Basseley” and “Mark Basseley Youseff” — was this week declared a flight risk and detained by a federal Judge Suzanne Segal.
Primary among the charges Nakoula faces is violation of probation from a 2010 cheque fraud conviction, officials said. “The court has a lack of trust in this defendant at this time,” the judge noted; and “[h]e has every incentive to disappear,” added the prosecutor.
Following the trailer being uploaded on YouTube, violent protests broke out in parts of North Africa, including Cairo, Egypt and Benghazi, Libya. In particular, an assault by heavily-armed gunmen targeting the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi led to the death of Chris Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador.
The Obama administration was quick to distance itself from the film and condemn the provocation as “reprehensible” and “disgusting.” However senior U.S. officials also argued that the attack in Libya was less associated with the film than it was a premeditated action linked to terrorist elements connected with al-Qaeda.
The U.S. court has ordered Nakoula to “remain in prison without bond until another judge can hold a hearing to determine if he broke the terms of his probation.” In doing so the judge also cited a “lengthy pattern of deception and the potential to flee.”
According to reports, Nakoula was sentenced to 21 months in prison following conviction in 2010 and banned from using computers or accessing the Internet for five years without approval from probation officers.
While the latest allegations against him were not said to involve his use of the Internet, it was noted that prior rulings required further that he abstain from using any name other than his true legal name without the written approval.
concept of free speech is voilated.. IF Somebody insult their parent no one will buy it and we called free speech..? ridiculous ..
Who will do such type of mischeif only a criminal and basically he showing is real doctrine and way of life and the group of people who support them..
I understand that it is bad but muslim should not venge out their anger with violence.. rather confront with education and guidance..
Everyone in this earth has a role model.. who can come close to Prophet Muhammad. He name, His characters and appeareance and teaching people are following and it is keep growing where as others way of life is diminishing it... this itself it the miracle and create frustation to the evil doers to come up with such mischief..
May be it becomes muslim advantage that more and more people started reading about islam and converting it,, example of 911 incident created hights no of converts by knowledge..
You can imagine, what short of capitalism is this in US that a company(Google) is denying government, even knowing that the film created havoc around the world and take lifes of many. A person can deduct that capitalism is in ugly phase, much above the humanity, government, nation and society.
This is absolutely ABSURD. The person has been arrested for the reason for just FRAUD case. SHAME on US who is giving the name of freedom of speech for such a WEIRD/shameful act and not punishing the person for creating such a ridiculous movie and for hurting and making so much of loss. They should be strictly punished for this act and not just for fraud case of not using internet/computer. I think the responsible US people doesn't carry any mankind and are a CURSE to the society. God will definitely punish them for their this ACT.
It is too little and too late. The loss of life would not be returned.
The Christians should understand that Prophet Jesus and Mary are held
in high esteem by the Muslims in our heart and in our sacred book.
While the western democracies had hundreds of laws restricting human
freedom in the name of national interest or national security why not
anti-Islam should also be prohibited by a law which threatens the
security of the countries.
Please highlight the fact that this person has been arrested on account of parole violation. It
has nothing to do with what the US govt. or judicial system perceives about the movie. Free
speech will and should trump over imagined religious sentiments.
Please Email the Editor