Scorpions Drummer Arrested for Allegedly Insulting Islam in Dubai

Scorpions Drummer Arrested for Allegedly Insulting Islam in Dubai

An American musician found out the hard way what happens when you exhibit rock star misbehavior outside of U.S. soil.

Scorpions drummer James Kottak got a one-month jail sentence this month for committing “offensive behavior” in Dubai.

The Gulf News daily says he was arrested April 3 en route from Russia to Bahrain, where the German band was scheduled to perform at a Formula One race. Kottak was a no-show at the April 5 concert.The government-backed National newspaper reported Tuesday that James Kottak was convicted of insulting Islam, raising his middle finger and being under the influence of alcohol while in transit at Dubai airport. The reports allege Kottak was heard ranting about “non-educated Muslims” and that he covered his nose when he saw Pakistani and Afghan passengers nearby. He also reportedly pulled his pants down.

The rocker says he may have been drinking during the time in question, but he denies saying anything inflammatory about Islam.

There is no way that I would say such a phrase about Muslims, whether I was drunk or not,” he reportedly told police. “I confess to drinking alcohol but I refuse the other two charges, I did not do them.

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