Anti-LGBT Egyptian TV host jailed for 12 months for interviewing gay man
Mohamed al-Gheiti interviewed the gay sex worker last year on his private TV station
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
An anti-LGBT TV host in Egypt has been jailed for a year for interviewing a gay man on his show.
Last year, Mohamed al-Gheiti – a presenter on the LTC TV station – interviewed a gay man on his private TV station to discuss homosexuality and although the man’s face was blurred, he admitted to being a sex worker and having a relationship with another man.
But following the interview, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation – Egypt’s leading media regulator – suspended the TV station for two weeks claiming it violated professional standards and promoted homosexuality.
Now, al-Gheiti – who has spoken out against LGBT+ people in the past – was sentenced to 12 months in jail at a court hearing on Sunday (January 20), according to SBS News.
He was also fined 3,000 Egyptian pounds (£130) and will be put under surveillance for a year following his release.
Lawyer Samir Sabri – who took him to court – said the ruling could be appealed and could be suspended if he pays 1,000 Egyptian pounds (£43) to be bailed depending on the appeal outcome.
Although there is no law banning homosexuality in Egypt, the government has a number of provisions to criminalise behaviour deemed to be immoral.