The trial of a French philosopher charged with questioning the Holocaust against the Jews has angered many in the Arab world. The 84-year old Roger Garoudy was taken to court in France when several anti-racism groups accused him of denying crimes against humanity. In a recent book about Israel, Mr Garoudy writes that accounts about the Holocaust are exaggerated and denies that 6m Jews were killed by Nazi Germany. His case has been taken up by Arab intellectuals and writers, who say it reflects double standards in the way Western countries deal with Arabs and Jews. Barbara Plett reports from Cairo:

Roger Garoudy has become popular in the Arab world as an Islamic convert who criticises Israel. Arab writers and intellectuals have welcomed his controversial book about the Holocaust, which he says is meant to expose the myths upon which Israeli policies are built.

And they rallied to his cause when the book landed him in court, charged with questioning crimes against humanity. Mr Garoudy's trial comes at a time when Israel is perceived to be dictating the terms of the peace process with complete disregard for Palestinian rights.

Egyptian writer Mohammed Sid Ahmed says what makes the Arabs so angry is the apparent double standard in the way some Western countries respond to Arab and Israeli concerns: Why should they enjoy such immunities concerning such fundamental issues, when none of our fundamental issues have any immunity? Mr Sid Ahmed says the Arab reaction is more about frustration with the peace process than about opinions of the Holocaust.