[Egypt Independent] An American citizen based in the United Arab Emirates was sentenced to a year in jail on Monday after a court ruled that a satirical video he posted on YouTube last year in which he mocked Emirati young men who "imitate US hip-hop culture" was a threat to national security.
| A court ruled that a satirical video he posted on YouTube last year in which he mocked Emirati young men who "imitate US hip-hop culture" was a threat to national security |
The family of 29-year-old Sri Lankan-born Shezanne Cassim said they were "utterly horrified" and "inconsolable" after he was given a one-year prison sentence and fined 10,000 UAE dirhams by the Abu Dhabi court (about US$2,700). The video that was intended to be funny was perceived by Emirati officials as serious act that tarnishes the international reputation and image of the oil-rich country.
The University of Minnesota graduate was incarcerated |