The German city of Essen issued a fine against taxi driver Jalil Mashali over alleged unlawful “religious advertising,” because of a small , Bible verse sticker on his rear window reading “Jesus – I am the way. The truth. And the life”.

Mashali was threatened with a fine of up to 1,000 EUR . The Christian convert has so far declined to remove the sticker.The authorities are now demanding a fine and fees of 88.50 EUR.

Mashali is now challenging the fine. “Jesus is the best thing I could recommend to anyone because he changed my life. That’s why I have the sticker on my car for anyone who is interested to see.

I’m not looking to cause trouble, but I haven’t done anything wrong. I am grateful for this country where everyone should be free to share their faith.

I hope to be able to continue to do so by appealing the unjust fine,” said Jalil Mashali.

The city of Essen argues that the sticker is illegal “religious advertising,” which is not allowed on taxis according to an ordinance that applies to them.

Due to the content, location, and small size of the sticker, Mashali has argued that the sticker does not constitute advertising. For him, the sticker is not religious advertising but an expression of Mashali’s deeply held convictions.