TRI In The News

Bible Study Leader = Common Criminal

From One News Now

Original article available here

A Phoenix Bible teacher is free after being jailed for 60 days for allegedly violating zoning laws, but it's not altogether positive news.

Michael Salman was also fined more than $12,000 for using his private residential property for a Bible study. John Whitehead of The Rutherford Institute tells OneNewsNow Salman is currently under house arrest.

"He has to wear an electronic ankle brace that, if he leaves his home, it sends off an alert to the police," the attorney explains. "He has to take a daily breathalyzer to make sure he's not drinking a beer or any alcohol. He's also subject to periodic raids by the police to see if he's doing a Bible study."

The breathalyzer is required, even though there is no record of Salman ever drinking. Whitehead says the Bible study leader is being treated like a common criminal, and he warns that Salmon's situation might be a more common occurrence in the future.

"I'm alarmed that any American today who violates a zoning ordinance could be thrown in jail for 60 days like he was, and then be put on house arrest" The Rutherford Institute president states. "There is a group writing these laws out of Washington, DC, and they're spreading across the country. So folks, get ready -- it's coming to a neighborhood close to you."

Salman's future remains uncertain, says the attorney, because he fully intends to resume the Bible studies. A federal lawsuit on his behalf is pending, but that will take time.