Cairo: An Egyptian media watchdog has suspended a controversial anchor for three months after she had appeared on her show pretending to sniff heroin.
Shaima Jamal, the host of the anti-crime show “Al Mushagheba” (The Troublemaker) on private television station LTC, triggered an outcry when in a recent episode she opened a satchel containing white powder and started licking it. Then she pretended to sniff the powder. Later, she sprayed the white stuff on a piece of cake and ate it, saying: “It is powdered sugar.”
The Media Workers’ Syndicate condemned Jamal’s act, calling it “unprofessional” and announced taking her off air for three months.
The Higher Council for Media, a state-appointed regulator, backed Jamal’s suspension and warned her employer over condoning “this transgression.”
Other detractors accused the anchor of irresponsibility, alleging that her act was detrimental to young viewers.
Dealing in and taking drugs are banned and punishable under the law in Egypt.
Jamal criticised her suspension, saying that the controversial scene was mere make-belief to highlight dangers of drugs. “I was discussing an important and serious issue related to drug addiction and youngsters,” the 27-year-old anchor, said. “See the whole episode and then prosecute me,” she said, addressing her critics.
LTC, a nascent broadcaster, said it would abide by the decision to suspend Jamal.
“The channel confirms that since its inception it has been keen on respecting all media, ethical and national values as part of its established course of professionalism,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
However, some commentators criticised what they regarded as harsh reaction to Jamal’s behaviour.
One of them is veteran entertainment critic Tareq Al Shenawi.
“The programme is based on shocking viewers,” Al Shenwai wrote in independent newspaper Al Masry Al Youm this week. “I don’t like such acts, which are not penalised in the law. But did viewers, after watching the episode stage a million-strong street demonstration and head to heroin-selling outlets?” he asked sarcastically.
Earlier this year, Egyptian authorities formed several watchdogs to monitor the performance of the nation’s print and electronic media platforms amid accusations that mainly privately owned outlets pursue sensationalism in order to make profits.
Rights groups have expressed concerns that the situation may lead to curbs on free expression in the country.
