Egypt's prosecution issued an arrest warrant on Saturday against prominent television host Bassem Youssef on charges of contempt of religion and insulting the president. Youssef hosts a weekly evening political satire show “al-Bernameg” (The Program) that has been a major success since it premiered in November on CBC channel, which also faces threats of suspension for presenting the show. A prosecution general aide said that the prosecution has considered four reports filed against Youssef based on specified episodes of the show where the political satirist allegedly offends Islam and the president. The legal challenge mentioned that Youssef mocked an interview by the president, comparing it to the Oscars and granting it awards, including “best editing" and “best film". Plaintiffs said in their appeal that they were offended by the insulting of the president of the country who is considered a symbol for the nation's prestige. Prosecution has decided to summon the plaintiffs to hear their appeal and contact the CBC satellite channel for a copy of the episode that was aired last Friday. This is the second time for the liberal TV host to face allegations of that kind. BN
