Iraq bans broadcast of Muawiyah series, considers it a threat to social peace

The official Iraqi Communications and Media Commission banned the broadcast of the series “Muawiyah” shown on the Saudi MBC group of channels inside Iraq, considering that broadcasting works of a “controversial historical nature” could lead to the incitement of sectarian disputes, which threatens societal peace and affects the social fabric.

The Iraqi Commission confirmed in a statement that “the broadcast of the Muawiyah series was banned on MBC Iraq,” stressing that “the ban decision is based on legal powers (...) and in commitment to its responsibility to regulate the media sector and ensure that media content is consistent with the national and professional standards adopted in Iraq.”

According to the Authority’s statement, “broadcasting works of a controversial historical nature may lead to the incitement of sectarian disputes, which threatens societal peace and affects the social fabric, especially during the holy month.”

Calling on all media institutions to "adhere to professional standards and avoid broadcasting content that may cause strife or sectarian incitement."

She stated that she "issued an official letter to the management of MBC Iraq in this regard," demanding that it "comply with the decision and not broadcast the series." She added that she "will take the necessary legal measures against any party that violates the media regulations in force in the country."

In turn, the writer Khaled Salah, the author of the series, defended his vision of the work, explaining in a post on his Facebook page that the work does not seek to triumph over one historical vision over another, but rather attempts to present Muawiyah as a man who lived through major transformations in his era, between politics, religion and conflicts.

He pointed out that the series presents the character of Muawiyah from a dramatic perspective, as he was a political leader who ruled with reason before the sword, and faced major personal and political challenges, such as the loss of his loved ones and his struggle for power after the murder of Uthman bin Affan.

Despite the objections, MBC announced that it would continue to air the series, the first episodes of which have already begun, with Syrian actor Lujain Ismail playing the role of Muawiyah, while Jordanian actor Eyad Nassar embodies the character of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib.

The work sheds light on a sensitive period of Islamic history, amidst a sharp division of opinion over how to deal with it dramatically.

Source: Websites