American Jailed in Dubai

An American citizen has been arrested in Dubai for posting a satirical YouTube video where he jokingly teaches suburban residents how to fight. Shezanne Cassim, a 29-year-old University of Minnesota graduate student, has been in jail since April awaiting trial for violating a decree that bans caricature that are “liable to endanger state security and its higher interests or infringe on public order.” While the law is disturbing enough, Cassim posted the video in October 2008—years before the law even was written. Cassim has been denied bail, and his next court hearing is scheduled for December 16.