Reuters - Video

Edition: US | UK | IN | CN | JP

video Video

Bernanke steps into the spotlight
Bernanke steps into the spotlight - 02:13
The official royal wedding guest list revealed
The official royal wedding guest list revealed - 01:23
Shuttle astronauts arrive at Cape Canaveral
Shuttle astronauts arrive at Cape Canaveral - 01:18
Waiting for Bernanke
Waiting for Bernanke - 01:51
Hospital staff flee border fighting
Hospital staff flee border fighting - 01:10
Thousands at Sai Baba funeral
Thousands at Sai Baba funeral - 01:03
Al Qaeda releases hostage messages
Al Qaeda releases hostage messages - 01:43
Obama calls birth controversy \
Obama calls birth controversy "distracting" - 05:29
Three blasts hit Kirkuk
Three blasts hit Kirkuk - 01:25
Protests intensify in Yemen
Protests intensify in Yemen - 01:24
Border clashes displace thousands
Border clashes displace thousands - 01:50
S&P Credit Rating Warning Helpful - Lister
S&P Credit Rating Warning Helpful - Lister - 00:53

U.S. accuses Egypt of stifling freedoms

Tuesday, April 02, 2013 - 01:22

April 2 - The U.S. accuses Egypt of muzzling free speech after Egyptian prosecutors question a popular television satirist over allegations he insulted President Mohamed Mursi and Islam. Sarah Sheffer reports.

▲ Hide Transcript

▶ View Transcript

Well-known in Egypt for his biting satire, comedian Bassem Youssef has been in trouble with the Egyptian authorities. His weekly TV show prompted the prosecutor-general to order his arrest on charges of insulting the president. But the case has attracted the attention of the United States, who accuse Egypt of muzzling free speech. (SOUNDBITE) (English) STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON VICTORIA NULAND SAYING : "We are concerned that the public prosecutor appears to have questioned and then released on bail Bassem Youssef on charges of insulting Islam and President Mursi. This coupled with recent arrest warrants issued for other political activists is evidence of a disturbing trend of growing restrictions on the freedom of expression." Making his way through a crowd of supporters, Youssef turned himself in to authorities on Sunday. He was released on bail after questioning. The U.S. also suggested the Egyptian authorities were selectively prosecuting those accused of insulting the government while ignoring or playing down attacks on anti-government demonstrators. A week ago, authorities ordered the arrest of several opposition activists accused of inciting violence against Mursi and the ruling Muslim Brotherhood.

Press CTRL+C (Windows), CMD+C (Mac), or long-press the URL below on your mobile device to copy the code

Close

U.S. accuses Egypt of stifling freedoms

Tuesday, April 02, 2013 - 01:22

Featured Videos

Twitter becomes a Freeway of Love for singer Aretha Franklin

Twitter becomes a Freeway of Love for singer Aretha Franklin

Celebrity fans and friends use social media to reflect on the life and career of the 'Queen of Soul'
First at-risk bumblebee species genome sequenced

First at-risk bumblebee species genome sequenced

Sequencing of the yellow-banded bumblebee's genome could help scientists understand why the flying insect is at risk of dying out, say researchers at York University
Parisians object to 'unsightly' public urinals

Parisians object to 'unsightly' public urinals

A new set of eco-friendly but completely exposed urinals deployed on the streets of Paris are provoking uproar from locals
'Kit' take a punt in English river race

'Kit' take a punt in English river race

Competitors using long poles push their punts through the water in the English town of Maidenhead outside London, in a contest that dates back to the mid 19th century
Vienna beats Melbourne to best city title

Vienna beats Melbourne to best city title

Vienna has dislodged Melbourne for the first time at the top of the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index