Advanced Television

Nilesat sued for carrying Shia channel

July 27, 2011

By Chris Forrester

As if to prove the ultra-sensitivity of broadcasting over the Middle East, Cairo-based satellite operator Nilesat is being sued for carrying the Shiite channel Fadak TV.

Two Egyptian lawyers have lodged a case against Cairo’s Ministry of Information, as well as the chairman of Nilesat, saying that the channel and a Shiite preacher Yasser Al Habib has made unfavourable comments on air that are offensive to Sunni Muslims.

Sheikh Yasser Al Habib broadcasts from London, so is safe from the lawsuit, although he is already suffering a 10-year in absentia prison sentence handed down by a Kuwaiti court.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite