UK Islamic TV channel fined for inciting violence

Published August 22, 2013
Ofcom ruled that Noor TV, which broadcasts on Sky, had breached broadcasting codes. -Photo by AFP
Ofcom ruled that Noor TV, which broadcasts on Sky, had breached broadcasting codes. -Photo by AFP

LONDON: Britain's broadcasting watchdog on Wednesday fined an Islamic television channel £85,000 ($133,000, 99,700 euros) after a presenter said anyone disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed should be killed.

Ofcom ruled that Noor TV, which broadcasts on Sky, had breached broadcasting codes by inciting violence during a program aired on May 3 last year.

The watchdog said the size of the fine reflected the seriousness of the channel's transgression, but stopped short of revoking its licence.

Allama Muhammad Farooq Nizami screenshot. — Courtesy Photo
Allama Muhammad Farooq Nizami screenshot. — Courtesy Photo

Presenter Allama Muhammad Farooq Nizami was hosting a phone-in when he was asked what the punishment was for anyone showing disrespect for Prophet Mohammed.

“There is no disagreement about this,” he replied. “There is absolutely no doubt about it that the punishment for the person who shows disrespect for the Prophet is death.”

Ofcom ruled that the channel, which is owned by Al Ehya Digital Television, had transmitted “material likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime” and had failed to “exercise the proper degree of responsibility with respect to the content of programmes which are religious programmes.”

Opinion

Editorial

Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.
Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...