Quran burnt in Florida church

Controversial US evangelical preacher oversees burning of Quran after finding the holy book "guilty" of crimes.


Afp March 21, 2011

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA: A controversial US evangelical preacher on Sunday oversaw the burning of a copy of the Quran in a small Florida church after finding the Muslim holy book "guilty" of crimes.

The burning was carried out by pastor Wayne Sapp under the supervision of Terry Jones, who last September drew sweeping condemnation over his plan to ignite a pile of Qurans on the anniversary of September 11, 2001 attacks.

Sunday's event was presented as a trial of the book in which the Quran was found "guilty" and "executed."

The jury deliberated for about eight minutes. The book, which had been soaking for an hour in kerosene, was put in a metal tray in the center of the church, and Sapp started the fire with a barbecue lighter.

The book burned for around 10 minutes while some onlookers posed for photos.

Jones had drawn trenchant condemnation from many people, including US President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, over his plan to burn the Muslim holy book in September.

He did not carry out his plan then and vowed he never would, saying he had made his point.

But this time, he said he had been "trying to give the Muslim world an opportunity to defend their book," but did not receive any answer.

He said he felt that he couldn't have a real trial without a real punishment.

The event was open to the public, but fewer than 30 people attended.

Life in the normally quiet city of Gainesville is centered around the University of Florida. And while there were public protests against Jones' 9/11 activities, this event was largely ignored.

Jadwiga Schatz, who came to show support for Jones, expressed concern that Islam was growing in Europe.

"These people, for me, are like monsters," she said. "I hate these people."

Jones said he considered this event a success.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said.

COMMENTS (160)

Haroon latif | 12 years ago | Reply It is very shamefull act done by these people...These people must answer in the judgement day in front of ALLAH and also the whole world will see there desoster in this world, and why they not think about that this is not an ordinary book but this is words of ALLAH which helps and guide the whole humanity in this world and hereafter....I love ALLAH and his prophet MOHAMMAD (sallalaho aliahay wa'aalaihi wassalam) and his holy book QURAN
Farzad | 12 years ago | Reply A crazy mind! I think, church shouldd punish & charge this man! Who was servered by this agt? Freedom act in Canada constitution is 100% sure, is against this type of mentality. The world should claim against the human right crimes like this.
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ