Popular Egyptian satirist’s TV show suspended after army chief spoofNovember 2, 2013 - 10:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Popular Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef's television show has been suspended just minutes before it was due to go on air, BBC News reported. The private CBC channel said Youssef had not followed editorial policies and wanted more money. The move comes a week after his al-Bernameg (Programme) show poked fun at the country's powerful military, triggering complaints. The decision will heighten concerns about freedom of speech restrictions. The CBC channel announced its decision in a statement on Friday, November 1 evening. It said Bernameg's latest taped episode showed that the presenter and his producers "insisted on violating the editorial policy". It did not provide details on how the policy had been violated, but added that the political satire show would remain suspended until the problems were solved. Last week, Youssef's show took aim at the army and its chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The controversial presenter joked about chocolate bars being made in the image of the general. That show triggered several complaints from viewers, and Egypt's public prosecutor later ordered an investigation. In March, the controversial satirist was released on bail after questioning by prosecutors over allegations he insulted Islam and the then-President Mohammed Morsi, who was ousted by the military in July. In April, a court rejected a lawsuit calling for a ban on his programme. Bassem Youssef is a doctor who shot to fame after winning a large number of followers with his witty lampooning of public figures in amateur videos posted on the internet following the uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's rule in February 2011. He became a household name when his satirical show - likened to Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the U.S. - began to be broadcast. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Armenia says ready to extend nuclear plant’s lifetime by 10 years Armenia has taken necessary measures to extend the lifetime of its nuclear power plant until 2036. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. |