A Muslim convert to Christianity in Essen, Germany, has been threatened with a fine of €1,000 ($1,080.64 U.S.) for displaying a decal with a Bible verse on the rear window of his taxi.
Jalil Mashali has appealed an initial €88.50 ($95.64 U.S.) fine imposed for displaying a decal with a cross and the words “Jesus: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” on the rear window of the van he drives.
Authorities in Essen, a former coal mining center in Germany’s western region, say the decal is “illegal religious advertising,” which is banned under taxi laws.
Mr. Mashali says it merely expresses his faith, with its small size and placement on the vehicle’s rear window making it not an advertisement.
“Jesus is the best thing I could recommend to anyone because he changed my life,” he said. “That’s why I have the sticker on my car for anyone who is interested to see. I’m not looking to cause trouble, but I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Mr. Mashali, born in Iran, came to Germany at age 33 for medical treatment after losing part of his leg in a traffic accident at age 13. He said he was healed of chronic pain in the leg after a Christian prayed for him during a hospital stay.
That led him to study the Bible and, according to ADF International, which is representing him, “standing firm in his Christian faith.”
Lidia Rieder, a legal officer with the advocacy group, said authorities in Essen are trying to stifle free expression.
“In a free society, the government should not be silencing peaceful expressions of faith,” Ms. Rieder said in a statement. “Jalil‘s actions are protected by the basic human right to freedom of religion, which includes the right to share one’s deeply held convictions with others. The state must refrain from unjustly interfering with this freedom.”
“I am grateful for this country where everyone should be free to share their faith. I hope to be able to continue to do so by appealing the unjust fine,” Mr. Mashali said.