arizona republic
sat, november 6, 1999
religion section - page 1
Song pits popular singer Muslim clerics
Some Muslims consider singing star Marcel Khania's I Am Yussef, Oh Father offensive because it borrows lyrics from their holy book. Politicians, lawyers and intellectuals have rallied to his defense, saying he broke no law.
Khania's trial on blasphemy charges could drag on for months. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
Some in Lebanon see the controversy as a sign of growing intolerance in the multisectarian, politically diverse nation of 3.5 million people, which has prided itself as a liberal beacon in a largely conservative region.