Publisher's Home Firebombed by Islamists

In August 2008, Random House announced it would not publish The Jewel of Medina by American author Sherry Jones (pic) due to expected repercussions from Islamists.

In mid-September, Gibson Square, a British publishing house headed by Martin Rynja, announced that it would release The Jewel of Medina.

Over this past weekend, Marin Rynja's home was firebombed.

Yesterday the right-hand man of preacher of hate Omar Bakri said the fire-bombing was the 'thin end of the wedge'.

Anjem Choudary, a former member of radical Islamist group al-Mujaharoun, said: 'This book is an attack on the honour of Mohammed. It is clearly stipulated in Muslim law that any kind of attack on his honour carries the death penalty.

'People should be aware of the consequences they might face when producing material like this. They should know the depth of feeling it might provoke.

'If the publication goes ahead then I think, inevitably, there will be more attacks like this. The repercussions will be very severe for everyone associated with it. It is not me that is doing petrol bombing, but I understand their feelings.'

In accordance with the terrorism act, Scotland Yard arrested three men aged 22, 30 and 40 for the firebombing. Martin Rynja is under guard at a secret location.

The Jewel of Medina tells the story of nine-year-old Aisha, Mohammad's favorite wife, and how she asserts herself through life among 12 other wives plus concubines.

Also: Jawa Report