Egyptian comedian faces probe for insulting president
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 January 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Egyptian comedian faces probe for insulting president, 2 January 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50ed34562.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 02, 2013
President Muhammad Morsi
Egyptian prosecutors have launched a probe against a popular TV comedian for allegedly insulting the president.
Bassem Youssef is accused of insulting and "undermining the standing" of President Muhammad Morsi by printing the Islamist leader's picture on a pillow and parodying his speeches.
Youssef's case comes as independent media grow increasingly worried about press freedoms under a new constitution that opposition activists say restricts basic rights.
Youssef, who hosts his own TV show, has mocked Morsi's repeated use of the word "love" in his speeches and printed the president's face on a fluffy, red pillow.
Egypt's prosecutor-general ordered the investigation after an unnamed Islamist lawyer registered a formal compliant against Youssef.
It was not immediately clear when the complaint was lodged.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
