Bassem Youssef’s popular political satire show will not be returning to Egyptian television screens, says the political satirist during a press conference. MBC Misr had earlier this week announced the decision to not air ‘El Bernameg’ as scheduled on May 30, without giving any explanation. In a press conference, Bassem Youssef, who has won multiple awards and was featured in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2012, declared that the program is over. “The present climate is not suitable for this political satire program,” said Dr Youssef. “I am tired of fearing and worrying about my personal safety of me and for my family.” Dr Youssef added that El-Bernameg will not continue on MBC and that it will not be aired on any other channel for circumstances beyond both his and MBC’s control. “Maybe disappearance of Al-Bernameg will force [people/revolutionaries] to think about new, more creative means of [opposition].” ‘Censorship?’ “Those who think there has not been pressure are delusional,” said Dr Youssef, hinting at pressure to pull his show off air and adding that adapting to the pressure would have changed the nature of the show. Following the announcement of the…
Bassem Youssef’s show has been cancelled, will not return to television
May 30, 2014
