German City of Essen Fines Ex-Muslim Taxi Driver For Bible Text On Vehicle

💭 The city of Essen has fined the German taxi driver Jalil Mashali because of a Bible text on his vehicle.

This was confirmed on Tuesday by Sofia Hoerder, spokeswoman for the legal human rights organization ADF International, when asked by Reformatorisch Dagblad. The fine was 88.50 euro; much less than the expected 1,000 euros.

Mashali received a letter from the city of Essen in October 2023 threatening him with a fine if he did not remove the sticker reading "Jesus – I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" from his taxi. According to the city, this is religious advertising. It is considered inappropriate as taxis have a public function.

Both Mashali and ADF International believe the ban violates basic human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion, including the right to share deeply held beliefs with others. The Christian convert has so far refused to remove the text.

Mashali is appealing the fine to the city of Essen, supported by the human rights organisation. Until then, the taxi driver will not pay, Herder argues.

If the administrative body does not withdraw the fine, the case may be taken to court.