Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef encountered limits on free speech in Egypt as he was arrested last week on charges of “insulting Islam” and the Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Youssef has been wildly popular throughout the Middle East for his digs at Egypt’s power players. (The Investigative Project on Terrorism, April 1, 2013, by John Rossomando)
Youssef’s arrest and release on bail has inspired much criticism around the world including onair comments by Daily Show’s Jon Stewart that galled the Muslim Brotherhood who lashed out via a tweet video at Stewart and suggested that Jews controlled the U.S. media. (The Washington Post, April 3, 2013, by Max Fisher)
Critics of the Morsi regime see the arrest as part of a widespread crackdown on freedom of expression and a betrayal of the revolution. The prosecutor general has issued arrest warrants for opposition leaders accused of inciting violence and have questioned prominent members of the media. (Reuters, March 31, 2013, by Tom Perry) -db