CAIRO - Monatov, a satirical programme launched by Egyptian actress Mona Hala on a special channel on the Youtube website, is proving controversial. Since the launching of the recent revolution, which forced Hosni Mubarak to step down, the extent of the corruption in the former regime is now coming to light. The new programme ridicules the former regime's officials and politicians. The first episode of Monatov assailed Mubarak's younger son, Gamal; former Minister of Interior Habib el-Adly; and Safwat el-Sherif and Ahmed Ezz, senior figures in the former ruling National Democratic Party. In the second episode, Mona attacked many of media people and artists, who have expressed their opposition to the revolution. For example, she criticised the pop singer Mohamed Nour, who condemned the protesters in Al Tahrir Square and sang: “Oh Mubarak, we are sorry.” After the toppling of Mubarak on February 11, Nour changed the wording of this to: “Oh Egypt, we are sorry.” Hala is also critical of the celebrated actor Amr Diab, “for not adopting a clear stance on the revolution”. Some activists have, on the social networking website Facebook, criticised the manner in which Hala blasts well-known actors. “You've committed a mistake in attacking Amr Diab,” says Moustafa Diab, an Amr Diab fan. However, Sherif Abdel-Aziz, another activist, likes Monatov. “Mona Hala supports the revolution. Those who oppose Hala are loyal to the former regime,” he says. “Now, we have to encourage freedom of speech and support talented people,” stresses Gad Mohamed, another activist.
