Salafi preacher and TV anchor Abdallah Badr called on Tuesday to hold a mass protest in front of the actors’ union, opposing what he called “filthiness in the name of art.”
During a TV show broadcast on Al-Hafez TV channel, Badr called for a protest on Friday 28 December. He said that the date was chosen after the constitutional referendum as the country is currently going through a critical political time.
Badr was sentenced to one year in jail and a fine of EGP 20,000 on 17 December for insulting TV actress Elham Shahin.
“I will stand strong for the truth and we will declare to all people that we reject their art and their filth.” said Badr.
Additionally, Al-Azhar University issued an official document, denying Badr’s claims that he is a teaching professor in the university, adding Badr is not even one of their graduates.
Shahin’s lawyer Yousry Abdel Razeq attached the document to a complaint submitted to the prosecutor general, accusing Badr of impersonating an Al-Azhar University professor.
Gamal Saber, spokesperson for Hazemoon political group, said his group respects Badr and would participate in the protest he called for, as long as it does not coincide with any of Hazemoon’s events.
“I wonder how the judiciary will acquit Tawfeq Okasha, who insulted the president directly, and at the same time imprison Abdallah Badr who only described what the actress did in her movies.”
Hazemoon is the official group supporting disqualified presidential candidate Hazem Salah Abu Ismail.