fanaticism

The following story was sent in by a reader.

Stop, In the Name of God By Mamoon Alabbasi

A top Saudi cleric is reported to have issued a religious decree claiming that it is "lawful to kill" owners of Arab television networks broadcasting "depravation and debauchery".

Saleh al-Luhaidan, responding to a question by a caller in a radio phone-in programme regarding 'immoral' content in Arabic television, is reported to have said that if lesser punishments fail, then those responsible "can be put to death."

The issue here is very serious and goes beyond arguments pertaining to censorship, social taboos, or morality.

The decree is an example that provides further demonstration how religion can be misused to justify the killing of others in a casual way.