Controversial TV host Tawfik Okasha
Controversial TV presenter Tawfik Okasha was arrested on Friday by security forces, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.
The founder of Al-Faraeen TV channel was reportedly arrested when he was leaving the Media Production City complex on the outskirts of Cairo, after presenting the morning show on his channel.
According to Al-Ahram Arabic website, Okasha was arrested due to outstanding court rulings against him that carry prison sentences.
Al-Faraeen has halted its regular programming and instead, on a black screen, displays the following note:
“Dr. Tawfik Okasha was arrested by the interior minister without cause or charge. He is currently detained at Nasr City police station. Al-Faraeen TV channel holds the minister personally responsible for Okasha’s health as he is currently prevented from taking his medication while in detention.”
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the interior ministry said that Okasha was arrested due to three outstanding court rulings. According to the statement, Okasha was sentenced to six months in jail for squandering marital funds in 2012, and another two weeks in jail plus a LE100 fine for beating his ex-wife in 2014.
He was also fined LE10,000 in another court case in 2015 for defaming his ex-wife.
Well-known for his bad language and penchant for conspiracy theories, Okasha has been stirring up controversy with his political views in Egypt since 2011.
Despite his support for the current government, Al-Faraeen channel was taken off air earlier this year due to financial problems. It subsequently returned to the airwaves.
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