Seven Tied to 'Innocence of Muslims' Sentenced to Death In Egypt
Six Egyptian Christians and a Florida-based American pastor have been sentenced to death in absentia by a court in Cairo on charges linked to the anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims" Wednesday.
The controversial film sparked riots and upheaval in the Muslim world earlier this year. Mark Basseley Youssef, the creator of the film is among those sentenced.
Also accused was Florida pastor Terry Jones, the man known for encouraging people to burn the Quran.
The seven accused were convicted on the grounds of insulting the Islamic religion and for "intentionally committing acts to harm the univty of the country and peace of its land."
Despite the sentencing, it is unlikely that the defendants will face death since most live outside of Egypt.
In addition to this Egyptian sentence, Youssef recently appeared in court in Los Angeles and has a criminal history. U.S. Federal Authorities said that Youssef violated his parole by uploading promotional trailers for his "Innocence of Muslims." He was also going by the alias "Sam Bacile."
Youssef pleaded guilty to the charges against him and on Nov. 7, 2012, he was sentenced to one year in prison.