Martha Hawley looks at the growing intolerance in Egypt of people who deviate from the Islamic straight and narrow. The works of writers, film directors, scholars and social activists have been censored, and the makers imprisoned. The government’s attitude towards the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood is ambivalent: from recognising its influence and siding with popular feeling to arresting members who pose a threat in elections. Martha meets a number of Egyptian intellectuals under fire.
Please note: Saad Eddin Ibrahim, who was on trial when the programme was made, received a seven-year prison sentence shortly after the programme aired.
Producer: Martha Hawley
Broadcast: October 22, 2002