Pastors seeking to rally at mosque jailed

Detroit Free Press

DETROIT

In a stunning turn after a chaotic, tense day in Dearborn, two Christian pastors seeking to protest outside the city’s largest mosque were sent to jail Friday after refusing to post a $1 bond and ordered to stay away from the mosque and adjacent property for three years.

The decision surprised supporters of Florida Pastor Terry Jones and his assistant, Wayne Sapp. Supporters said they couldn’t believe Jones was being jailed before he even attempted to visit the mosque, the Islamic Center of America..

As reporters waited outside the courthouse for Jones to emerge, several police officers later said Jones had posted the bond and left the building by another exit.

The move came after a six-person jury ruled in a daylong trial that the rally Jones wanted to have would breach the peace. The rally has been controversial because Jones and Sapp burned a copy of the Quran last month in Florida, setting off worldwide protests in Muslim countries.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.