Saudi mulls 'sectarian' TV channel blackout

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Information is considering shutting down a satellite TV Channel which allegedly incited sectarianism and impaired national unity, it was reported. A programme aired on the channel, which has not been named, allegedly aimed to divide people of Saudi's southwestern Najran region along sectarian lines, reported Saudi-based Al-Hayat. The Minister of Culture and Information, Dr Abdul Aziz Khoja, said that such behavior will not be accepted from any satellite TV channel, newspaper or e-newspaper. “National unity is the red line,” he said. “Sectarian statements against a region, tribe or a family are unacceptable. The ministry will prevent any type of sedition.” Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that strictly enforces religious and conservative traditions, tolerates little political or religious dissent from its mostly Sunni Muslim population. In February, 23-year old blogger Hamza Kashgar was forced to flee the kingdom after posting comments via Twitter that were deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammad. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Kashgari was extradited from Malaysia - where he was in hiding - back to Saudi Arabia, where he could face the death penalty.