RIYADH, 6 October 2006 — A Saudi comedy program continued to explore the boundaries of political satire in the Kingdom by premiering two episodes of the program that were banned last year, the Al-Watan daily reported yesterday.
“Tash 14” has also explored new territory in this annual comedy program that unfolds during the holy month of Ramadan.
The first of the two episodes that were banned last year but broadcast this past week, titled “Mujahadeen Al-Keyboard,” focused on the touchy subject of jihad and terrorism.
In the sketch, terrorist webmasters sit in the comfort of their air-conditioned rooms building web pages that encourage others to make sacrifices by committing acts of terror.
The hypocrisy of the extremist web geeks is the crux of the joke, says the writer of the skit Abdullah ibn Bajad Al-Otaiby.
“The promoters of dangerous ideologies are enjoying life... never ready to sacrifice their own luxuries, let alone undertake the hazardous path they advocate online.”
The second episode was titled “Daawah Litasamuh” (“Call for Tolerance”).
In this segment, officials who advocate only one interpretation of Islam (their own) prosecute a man in a court for religious heresy.
This episode played on the concept of takfir, or the habit of some Muslims labeling others as not being true to the faith. The segment also lampooned arcane judicial procedures that help prosecute a man for his beliefs.
Earlier this week “Tash” devoted its hour-long program on extremism.
In one segment, titled “Terrorism Academy” (based on the popular programs like “Star Academy” where people compete before a panel of judges) the host, a Lebanese woman in a flirtatious evening gown, awards the winner a belt of explosives.
“Tash,” which used to be called “Tash Ma Tash” until the show’s ousted creator won a lawsuit, has been running on Saudi television for 14 years.
The show features during Ramadan and is re-run throughout the year. It is one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular entertainment exports to its Middle Eastern neighbors.
This year also featured segments lampooning the justice system and the commission for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice.
