Gulf | Bahrain
Bahrain MP seeks apology from MBC
An Islamist MP has called upon the authorities to take action against the pan-Arab satellite station MBC and demand an apology for its alleged offensive portrayal of Bahrain.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:20 September 5, 2008
Manama: An Islamist MP has called upon the authorities to take action against the pan-Arab satellite station MBC and demand an apology for its alleged offensive portrayal of Bahrain.
"We demand official and public apologies from mbc for offending the people of Bahrain after a character in one of the series said that he was going to Bahrain to have a good time in its discos," Mohammad Khalid said on Thursday.
In the first episode of We are all the sons of Kraya, a Saudi satirical comedy broadcast by MBC, an actor is advised by his brother after he invites him to go to Bahrain for the weekend to relax. "I cannot go with you, but you should spend your money only on ways approved by God," the elder brother says.
However, even though the short dialogue did not refer to any form of "immoral" entertainment in Bahrain, Khalid believes that it portrayed Bahrain as a place for debauchery.
"The Arab viewer will conclude that Bahrain is abundant with alcohol, prostitution and sins," he said.
Vigil
To help improve Bahrain's reputation, the MP, who for years spearheaded calls to closely monitor resorts and hotels to ensure they complied with "family tourism", said that he would take "strong action" to fight moral corruption.
"We reject what some cheap entertainment gangs are doing to spread prostitution and depravity in hotels and furnished flats, and which has tarnished Bahrain's name," he said.
"We know that some powerful people are behind such violations, such as human trafficking for discos and hotels. We will take up the issue of moral depravation in parliament," he said.
In 2004, Khalid led a movement to protest against the filming by MBC in Bahrain of the Arabic version of the reality TV show, Big Brother.
The show had put 12 housemates, six men and six women, from around the Arab world in a purpose-built house on Amwaj Island in Muharraq, but hundreds of people rallied against it and the MP threatened to question the information minister.
The channel suspended the production a week after the show was launched, saying that it did not want to expose the network to any accusations that it is offending the virtues and traditions of the Arab world.
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
