U.S. missionary faces prosecution for proselytising

An American missionary arrested for allegedly distributing Christian CDs and videos to the public faces prosecution. Two others arrested with him are still being investigated by the Public Prosecutor.

Attorney-General Ibrahim Bu Melha said the three had admitted that they belong to a missionary organisation in the U.S. and had come to the UAE to target Arabs and Gulf nationals. Other religions are allowed to practice in the UAE, but it is illegal to promote religions other than Islam, or to seek converts.

Bu Melha said the three had been released on bail. The CDs they were distributing allegedly promote Christianity and draw comparisons which insult Islam. Bu Melha said they have been sent to the Ministry of Information which will study them and issue a report.

The three Americans were arrested on March 12 while allegedly targeting people visiting Dubai Shopping Festival locations such as Al Rigga Street, the Global Village and the Shindagha heritage sites.

The Prosecution has finished its investigation of Charles Ashley Gearling, 28, who faces prosecution. The two others, who are also in their 20s, have not been named. Bu Melha said Article No 312 of Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 criminalises any person who abuses any other religion or prompts others not to abide by religious principles.

Article No. 317 of the Federal Penalties law No 3 of 1987 penalises anyone who abuses Islam, or lures Muslims to other religions. It carries a sentence of between five and 10 years imprisonment.

The Prosecution is also investigating a self-proclaimed "God of the Universe" who was arrested on suspicion of preaching prophecies and conducting missionary activities. The 50-year-old Dubai Hospital pharmacist was arrested for promoting his prophecies and distributing his publications which had been printed in India and Korea.