TV comic in Egypt faces probe for ‘insulting Pakistan’

Cairo, April 10 (IANS/AKI) Egyptian prosecutors have begun an investigation into three complaints against popular TV comedian Bassem Youssef over allegations of promoting atheism, harming diplomatic ties between Egypt and Pakistan, and insulting the attorney general.

On his Twitter account, Youssef confirmed he was being investigated again, after earlier being accused of insulting the president and Islam.

“A new investigation started against me accusing me of: insulting Islam (again), spreading atheism & insulting Pakistan #LOL,” he wrote.

The new probe follows remarks by Youssef mocking a hat worn by President Mohamed Morsi when he received an honorary doctorate from a university in Islamabad in March.

Youssef is also accused of attempting to “spread atheism” after he allegedly made fun of the prayer ritual which constitutes “questioning one of the five pillars of Islam”.

Youssef’s hugely popular weekly political satire show “Al-Bernameg”, aired on private satellite channel CBC, has spared few public figures.

He is currently on bail pending the investigation into charges of insulting Morsi and Islam.

–IANS/AKI

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