A popular Egyptian satire television program was suspended moments before it aired Friday after drawing criticism for mocking the nationalist fervor that has developed since the military pushed out the democratically-elected president four months ago.
The private station CBC canceled the show because its host, Bassem Youssef, and the producer “insist on continuing to not commit to the editorial policy,” a broadcaster said on air in place of the show’s scheduled spot.
In his show, often compared to John Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” Youssef often targets both sides of the divided Egyptian political environment. The show drew much attention when it returned last week after a 4-month hiatus.
Youssef left for the United Arab Emirates Friday but it was unclear why, the Associated Press reports.
[AP]