Egyptian Television Satirist Bassem Youssef in Trouble With Islamists
There’s no love lost between the Islamist government of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, and his critics in the media.
The latest proof of that is an official investigation launched this week against a popular Egyptian television satirist.
Bassem Youssef allegedly insulted President Morsi on his TV show, “Al Bernameg.”
The program is modeled after Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show.
And Youssef was actually a guest on The Daily Show last June.
But Youssef could be in serious trouble with the Egyptian government at this point.
On his program, Youssef was seen sweet-talking and hugging a red furry pillow carrying President Morsi’s image, while mocking his speech style.
An Islamist lawyer claims Youssef has insulted the president and undermined his authority by mocking him in such a public way.
Correspondent Noel King is in Cairo and has been following the story.
King said this is another example of the cultural stalemate that has been going on for a couple of months between outspoken media personalities and supporters of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.
Watch a segment of Bassem Youssef’s show starring himself (with captions).
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!