CAIRO: An Egyptian NGO has warned against the threat posed to freedom of expression by a recent lawsuit that seeks to ban a soap opera from broadcast. A group of lawyers have initiated proceedings against the Minister of Information and other government officials seeking a broadcasting ban on Iranian soap opera “Joseph the Honest,” which is currently being aired on the Melody Drama and El-Kawther satellite channels. According to the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE), the lawyers' case against the soap opera is based on edicts by Al Azhar clerics that ban physical representations of prophets in television, cinema, and theater productions. In a statement issued Sunday, the AFTE — which has intervened in the lawsuit — says that “this type of case represents a threat to freedoms of expression and creativity, [and is] a violation of [people's right] … to become familiar with different and diverse opinions. “A broadcasting ban on this soap opera would deliver a powerful blow to the freedom of theater, cinema and television.” The NGO also noted that the people who are calling for a broadcasting ban on “Joseph the Honest” are the very same individuals who, some weeks ago, initiated legal proceedings against a decree made by the authorities to stop the broadcasting of religious satellite channels. The AFTE described this practice as “double standards” in regards to fighting for freedom of expression. Action regarding the lawsuit brought against the Melody Drama and El-Kawther channels will begin on Jan. 8, 2011.
