An Egyptian court has ordered a television channel to be taken off the air due to it’s ‘explicit’ shows.
The ruling against El-Tet, which televises belly dancing clips, is the latest among the increasing media-related cases.
It comes hot on the heels of the restriction imposed on the issuance of licences for the sale of alcohol in new residential settlements.
El-Tet was accused of showing “sexually explicit” content and for operating without a broadcasting licence.
Last May, the owner of the channel, Mr Baleegh Hamdi, was arrested for ‘promoting’ prostitution through television, but was later released.
In Egypt, any involvement in prostitution carries up to a three-year prison sentence.
The judge presiding over the case Sunday stated “that El-Tet airs ads that are “offensive” and can “arouse” viewers. The station carries advertisements for sexual enhancement products and matchmaking services”.
Another court earlier this month ordered the suspension of You Tube for one month over the highly controversial film; Innocence of Muslims, which was posted on the video website.
Liberals fear that the Muslim Brotherhood was slowly curbing personal rights and freedoms and implementing its religious beliefs.
Following the alcohol sales ban, a satirical caricature made the rounds on social media in which some of the main problems currently facing Egypt; such as police brutality, poverty and road accidents were listed while President Mohammed Morsy was depicted in a Superman costume with the caption; “Must save Egypt from porn, alcohol and YouTube.”
Other recent cases involving the media include the religious channel Al-Hafez against which another court upheld a decision to keep “off the air for 30 days for slandering an Egyptian actress over her views in support of the former regime” of Hosni Mubarak.
A religious preacher, Sheikh Abdullah Badr, said on air that the actress “Elham Shahin is cursed and she will never enter heaven”.
Last August, a suit was filed against controversial TV anchor Tawfig Okasha by the Muslim Brotherhood and his channel was shut down following accusations for “inciting violence against the Brotherhood and encouraging attacks on President Mohamed Morsy.”
NMG
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