BEHEMOTH Frontman Cleared In Bible Ripping Inncident Again

A polish judge has found Behemoth frontman innocent of offending religious feelings. He ruled that the ripping of the bible was a form of artistic expression that was consistent with the style of the band.

Adam Darski, aka Nergal, was charged in the bible ripping incident following a concert in Gdynia in 2007. He was cleared of all charges last year, but prosecuters appealed. Today the judge granted Darski a second innocent verdict.

Darski threw the torn pages to the audience during the concert, and asked fans to burn them, according to video footage from that concert. According to the Polish news agency PAP, he also called the Bible "a deceitful book" and the church a "criminal sect" — strong language in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.

The judge in the case said it considered Darski's actions "a form of art" consistent with the style of his band. He added that the court had no intention of limiting freedom of expression or the right to criticize religion.

The court said audience members who testified said their religious feelings had not been hurt despite the fact they were Christians.

Offending another person's religious feelings is a criminal offense in Poland, and can carry a prison sentence of up to two years.

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Tags:  Behemoth, bible, court  

Jason Fisher    August 18, 2011