Fines up to LE 250K for obscene words in Ramadan series

CAIRO – 7 May 2017: Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) decided to fine any Ramadan drama series up to LE 250,000 ($14,126) for each obscene word.

“We lived about eight years with no rules or control over drama. We are not trying to be fascists or to set limits and restrains over freedoms; however, we are trying to set professional standards for drama work to decrease the violent content,” Makram Mohamed Ahmed, head of SCMR, said during a meeting of Parliament’s Media and Culture Committee on Monday.

He added that SCMR set rules for everything that will air during Ramadan, especially advertisements.

Earlier in April, SCMR announced that any advertisement that disrupts the Egyptian community’s values during the holy month of Ramadan will be banned.

Ahmed Selim, secretary-general of SCMR, told Egypt Today that the ads should have valuable content and represent a respectful image of Egypt’s society. He also stressed that the council is going to send a list of the Islamic scholars authorized to issue fatwas (Islamic decrees) through media outlets during the holy month.

Siham Saleh, Media Syndicate deputy, also told Egypt Today on Monday, April 16 that a separate committee has been formed to monitor the new programs expected to air during Ramadan. Saleh urged television hosts to commit to the declared charter of honor. She added that no one will appear on the screen without being a recognized member of the Media Syndicate.