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KUWAIT CITY (AFP) - An Islamist MP in Kuwait, Waleed al-Tabtabai, has urged that "controls" be imposed on BBC FM radio broadcasts in the Emirate after it aired a program on extramarital affairs.
Al-Tabtabai, in a letter addressed to Information Minister Saad bin Teflah al-Ajmi, said the BBC broadcast an Arabic-language program on its first working day included "indecent discussions on extramarital affairs," reported Al-Watan newspaper. The letter said the program contained controversial issues such as "sexual excitement for men and women, and an interview with a wife who had an extramarital affair." Al-Tabtabai asked Ajmi if the BBC was open to "any Kuwaiti controls, especially with regard to the respect of religion and taking into consideration moral values." The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) signed an agreement with Kuwait's information ministry on September 20th allowing BBC radio round-the-clock transmission on an FM band in the Emirate. The BBC began broadcasting 19 hours of Arabic and five hours of English programs on Saturday aided by a booster station offered by Kuwait. In return for the broadcast rights, the BBC will train 300 Kuwaiti engineers. Two U.S. army stations and the Voice of America also broadcast on FM in Kuwait. Al-Tabtabai had also on Wednesday urged Kuwait's state-run television to stop showing women's beach volleyball, diving and synchronized swimming from the Sydney Olympics, saying they were "too sexy and indecent." He has been outspoken in his criticism of all forms of entertainment that involve mixing of the sexes, including "non-traditional and immoral" musical concerts in Kuwait's shopping festival. Although Kuwait is a conservative country, it is the only Gulf country to have an elected parliament. However, women are not allowed to vote. |
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