Jordanian Writer Hattar Assassinated for Criticism of Saudis: Analyst
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Prominent Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar was assassinated for political reasons, not for alleged insult to Islam, a Lebanese political expert said, adding that the Christian journalist was killed by a Salafi assailant just for criticism of the Saudi policies, Wahhabism and Israel.
A review of Nahed Hattar’s life reveals that the Jordanian writer and journalist had no problem with the religion, but only defied Saudi Arabia’s policies, Wahhabism and the conduct of Israel, Tallal Etrisi, a Lebanese university professor and Middle East expert, told the Tasnim News Agency on Tuesday.
Hattar was an active and outspoken journalist who had no fear of publishing critical articles, Etrisi added, saying he was killed only for political reasons.
On Sunday, a gunman shot dead Hattar outside a court in Jordan where he was facing charges for sharing a cartoon deemed offensive to Islam
The deceased, 56, was charged with inciting sectarian strife after posting a cartoon on Facebook this year, entitled the God of Daesh (ISIL), depicting a member of the terrorist group, which is perceived to get widespread support from the Wahhabis and the Saudi regime.
He had removed the cartoon shortly thereafter, saying "it mocks terrorists and their concept of God and heaven. It does not infringe God's divinity in any way". It is not known who produced the cartoon.
