This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

A Catholic priest who wrote an article pointing out how Islamists regularly attack and persecute Christians around the world has been found guilty in a Spanish court of a so-called "hate crime."

Father Custodio Ballester, a parish priest in Barcelona, had written an article in 2016 describing "The Impossible Dialogue with Islam" that explained how Islam actually does not allow dialogue.

"For Islam, either you believe, or you are an infidel who must be subdued one way or another," he explained.

Now, a report at Lifesitenews confirms he was found guilty of "Islamophobic" statements.

The report noted the court decision "has Catholics as well as free speech advocates concerned."

His accusers used a Spanish law to claim his comments about Islam actually were a "hate crime."

"Ballester wrote his essay in response to a pastoral letter by his superior, the archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan José Omella, titled 'The Necessary Dialogue with Islam.' In his rebuttal, Ballester wrote: 'This new reactivation of Christian-Muslim dialogue, paralyzed by the alleged 'imprudences' on the part of the late Pope Benedict XVI, is very far from becoming a reality. Islam does not allow dialogue. For Islam, either you believe, or you are an infidel who must be subdued one way or another," the report confirmed.

Ballester explained to Catholic News Agency authorities demanded to use him as an example "so that others censor themselves.":

The offense, in Spain, carries a penalty up to four years in prison.

Ballester said, in the report, he'll appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if he is ordered to jail.

"People are very angry about the excessive sentences being sought for 'hate crimes,' which are comparable to those sought for sexual assault or leaving someone paralyzed in a fight," Ballester told CNA.

The report explained, "According to Islamic Sharia law, Christians and Jews who refuse to convert to Islam are not recognized as full citizens but considered semi-slaves called 'dhimmi' who have to pay a special tax called 'jizyah.' The OpenDoors 'Word Watch List' shows that the majority of the top 50 countries in which Christians are most persecuted are Islamic states."