Freej sparks debate on extremism

Dubai: Fans of the popular Emirati animated series Freej have said that it is important to address traditionally-taboo subjects as long as it is done responsibly, following the controversy that was sparked recently after the show criticised religious extremism.

Various radio stations discussed the topic, with many listeners calling in to voice their disapproval.

Monday's episode of Freej showed the lead character, Umm Khammas, turning to religion upon learning that she will die in ten days. Her immersion into religion also leads her to start preaching.

Umm Ahmad, an Emirati IT professional, said she agreed that issues of religious hypocrisy exist in society and should be addressed, but found the show to have gone too far in "criticising religious people".

Emirati Fatima said she found the episode to be "daring" but with "good intentions".

TABOO
'We thought it would be digestible in cartoons'

The creator of Freej, Mohammad Saeed Harib, said controversy was expected "but not to this extent".

"Talking about religion has always been a taboo subject here, but we thought it would be more digestible in cartoon format," he said.

Harib has since been on radio trying to explain his position, and says that many of those who opposed the show have changed their minds.

The objective of the episode, he said, was to highlight the exploitation of religion by a minority of people, and its effect on the wider society.