Two journalists face jail for ‘Salt Bae’ Last Supper

Two Jordanian journalists could be sent to prison for three years for publishing an image of celebrity chef Salt Bae standing behind Jesus in an altered version of Leonardo’s The Last Supper.

The two journalists were released on bail on Wednesday but face possible prison sentences over the publication of an offensive image, a source said. They face a charge of inciting sectarian strife, which carries a prison term of six months to three years.

The Last Supper depicts Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. In the manipulated version, Turkish butcher and chef Salt Bae – real name Nusret Gokce – is seen performing his trademark salt sprinkle on a platter of meat in front of Jesus.

One of the disciples also has Jesus’ face tattooed on his leg.

“The prosecutor general of Amman has given his approval today for the release on bail of the journalist Mohammed Al Wakeel,” who runs the Al Wakeel News website that published the image, the source said.

Trainee editor Ghadir Rbehat was also bailed.

The decision follows a request from three politicians, while the Council of Churches of Jordan also requested “a pardon and compassion from the prosecutor”, the source said.

More than 200 complaints were filed by Jordanians against Al Wakeel News over the past three days.

The publication of the doctored image sparked an online outcry that prompted Al Wakeel News to remove it and apologise, saying it was a mistake made by a trainee editor.

About 6 per cent of Jordanians are Christian.