Turkey Fines Network over Blasphemy in Simpsons Episode
Turkey’s television watchdog has fined a private broadcaster for airing an episode of the US-produced animated sitcom "The Simpsons" which shows scenes that Muslims regard as blasphemous.
The Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) said CNBC-e insulted religious values by "mocking God" and has been fined about 53,000 Turkish liras (29,700 US dollars), the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported.
It said the episode also showed copies of the Bible being burnt and encouraged young people to consume alcohol and commit murder in the name of God.
“One of the characters is abusing another one's religious beliefs to make him commit murders. The Bible is publicly burnt in one scene and God and the devil are shown in human bodies,” the RTUK said.
In another scene, God serves coffee to the devil, which is considered an insult to religious beliefs.
RTUK has recently levied a string of fines on networks and filmmakers for television series deemed to be insulting to God or historical leaders or offending family values.
Source: Press TV
It said the episode also showed copies of the Bible being burnt and encouraged young people to consume alcohol and commit murder in the name of God.
“One of the characters is abusing another one's religious beliefs to make him commit murders. The Bible is publicly burnt in one scene and God and the devil are shown in human bodies,” the RTUK said.
In another scene, God serves coffee to the devil, which is considered an insult to religious beliefs.
RTUK has recently levied a string of fines on networks and filmmakers for television series deemed to be insulting to God or historical leaders or offending family values.
Source: Press TV
