TV Station in Tunisia Fined for Broadcasting Animated Film ‘Persepolis’

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with reporter Sabri Ben-Achour about a court ruling Thursday in Tunisia against the head of a TV station that broadcast the animated film “Persepolis.”

The TV executive was fined for threatening public morals.

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Marco Werman: I am Marco Werman and this is The World. When Tunisia became the first country to oust its dictator in the Arab Spring last year, there were heady expectations of new freedoms and democracy. That included press freedoms, but today a Tunisian court fined the head of a TV station there for disturbing public order and threatening public morals; the crime – broadcasting the Franco-Iranian animated film “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. Sabri Ben-Achour reported on press freedoms in Tunisia in the weeks after the revolution. Sabri, what was the objection to this film?

Sabri Ben-Achour: There is a very short scene in the film where this little girl is flying through the air in a dream and sees a giant cloudy figure of God. In Islam, you cannot depict prophets or God in any way like that.

Werman: So, what does this ruling mean for freedom of expression then in Tunisia right now?

Ben-Achour: Well, even though the fine was pretty small in some ways, $1,700, it was levied based on old laws, pre-revolutionary laws that are very vague and that send a signal to both journalists or the public that when it comes to these moral issues you have to watch out.

Werman: So, what do Tunisians make of the verdict then?

Ben-Achour: Well, they’re split. There are some who say it’s an affront to their faith and he should have gotten a lot more than a fine. I spoke to his lawyer; his lawyer says, you know this is a sad day for freedom in Tunisia, for freedom of expression in Tunisia. There are lots of people commenting even on Facebook saying this was a really shameful ruling. So, you know, take your pick.

Werman: What happens to the TV executive now who allowed “Persepolis” to be broadcast?

Ben-Achour: Well, he’ll pay the fine and that will be that but, before this trial, he received death threats, his house was sacked, his family threatened. So, his lawyer says he’s still fearful of those kinds of consequences.

Werman: So Sabri, this is a ruling on morality. What about political free speech there?

Ben-Achour: Well, it’s important to note that Tunisia in terms of political speech is night and day from what it was before the revolution. So, this ruling does not appear to have any bearing on political speech. It does have a major bearing on this morality, public morals question. Politically, people are still making fun of their politicians on the radio.

Werman: Reporter Sabri Ben-Achour, thanks very much for the update.

Ben-Achour: You’re welcome.

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The scene that caused controversy

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