Egyptian comedian freed after questioning on alleged insults to Islam

Egyptian prosecutors questioned Egypt’s most prominent television satirist yesterday over allegations he insulted the president and Islam, a case that has increased opposition fears of a crackdown on dissent.

Bassem Youssef turned himself in after the prosecutor general issued an arrest warrant for him on Saturday. He was released on bail of 15,000 Egyptian pounds (€1,722), an official in the prosecutor's office said.

Mr Youssef rose to fame after the uprising that swept Hosni Mubarak from power in 2011, with a satirical online show. His programme, which has been compared to the Daily Show of US satirist Jon Stewart, is broadcast on Egyptian TV.

The comedian is accused of, among other things, undermining the standing of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. The prosecutor general issued the arrest warrant after at least four legal complaints were filed by Morsi supporters.

Satirical jabs
Arriving at the prosecutor general's office, Mr Youssef was wearing an oversized version of a graduation hat modelled on one donned by the president when he was awarded an honorary degree in Pakistan last month.

Mr Youssef has worn the hat on his widely watched show, one of many satirical jabs at the president. Last year, he poked fun at Mr Morsi’s repeated use of the word “love” by singing a love song to a red pillow with the president’s face printed on it.

The questioning of the comedian has raised fears over freedom of expression in post-Mubarak Egypt. "It is an escalation in an attempt to restrict space for critical expression," said Heba Morayef, Egypt director at Human Rights Watch.

Prominent liberal politician Mohamed ElBaradei said it was the kind of action only seen in “fascist regimes”. “It is the continuation of the failed and ugly moves to thwart the revolution,” he said.

Mr Youssef's questioning came after the prosecutor general issued five arrest warrants for prominent political activists accused of inciting violence against the Muslim Brotherhood, the group that propelled Morsi to power in last year's election.

Media figures
The prosecutor's office has also summoned several other prominent media figures for questioning over accusations they insulted the president.

Opposition figures say the prosecutor, Talaat Ibrahim, is biased towards Mr Morsi, who appointed him last November, and they want him removed from office. A court ruled last week that Mr Ibrahim’s appointment was illegal and that he must step down. Mr Ibrahim, who denies any bias, plans to appeal the ruling. – (Reuters)