Islam-Mocking Filmmaker in Jail: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the man responsible for sparking riots in the Middle East that involved the attack on the US Consulate in Libya, has been ordered to jail on Thursday by a federal judge for allegedly violating terms of his probation, reports the Los Angeles Times. Here are the top 10 facts you need to know.

1. Nakoula Basseley Nakoula is the Filmmmaker Behind the Controversial Film “Innocence of Muslims”

The conman, pictured above next to one of the actresses in the film, has at least 17 fake names, but is mostly referred to as Nakoula.
2. The Film Sparked Days of Rioting in the Muslim World
The anti-Islam film was the start of a string of deadly riots in the Middle East because it mocked the Muslim Prophet Mohammad. During the first riot in Libya, the US Consulate was attacked and US ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens was killed on Sept. 11.

3. He was Arrested in 2009 for Suspicion of a Fake Identity Scheme

Nakoula has a history with the law. In 2009, federal agents searched the man’s home on suspicion that he was involved in a fake identity scheme. Turns out he created tons of fake identities, opened credit cards in those names and withdrew tens of thousands of dollars from the fake accounts.

4. Nikoula Operated Under Many Aliases
One being “Kritbag Difrat.” I don’t know about you, but I would never trust a Kritbag.

5. He was Convicted of Bank Fraud Charges in 2010

In 2010, he was convicted on four accounts of bank fraud and identity theft and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. He was released from jail in June of 2011.

6. He was Also Ordered to Pay $794,700.57 in Restitution.
Yikes. It’s a wonder he could even afford a film camera.

7. He Allegedly Violated his Probation

The film maker was arrested on Thursday for allegedly violating his probation, which said that he was not allowed to operate devices that had access to the internet unless his probation officer approved of it. He wasn’t allowed to get his friends to do the dirty work on the internet for him either. It’s not entirely sure what exactly sparked the arrest, but it is speculated that “The Innocence of Muslims” trailer that was uploaded onto YouTube is what did it.

8. He Posed a Flight Risk
He was arrested on Thursday because he posed a flight risk, said federal prosecutors. I don’t blame the guy for wanting to flee the country on account of the turmoil his film caused. I would too!

9. He Will Be In Danger in Prison

Nikoula’s attorney tried (unsuccessfully) to get him released on bond since there is a large Muslim population in the LA federal prison. I think expecting to get a beat-down by other inmates is an understatement.

10. Nakoula is Originally from Egypt