An Egyptian court has dropped a lawsuit demanding a television show hosted by a popular political satirist be banned for allegedly insulting Islam and President Mohamed Morsi.
The judge said Saturday the plaintiff had no legal standing in the case.
A Muslim Brotherhood lawyer had filed a suit against satirist Bassem Youssef, saying his show mocks Morsi and Islamist principles and contains "sexual innuendo." The lawyer also called for the suspension of the TV station that airs the show, Capital Broadcasting Center.
Another Brotherhood lawyer told the Associated Press the plaintiff filed the suit on his own, without involving the Islamist group.
The Muslim Brotherhood is Morsi's political party.
Last month, Youssef was arrested and questioned by police before being released on bail.
Opposition groups say Egypt's government is intensifying its crackdown on dissent and is thus risking the safety of freedom of expression.
In other news, Egyptian security sources say five people were killed in clashes between Muslims and Christians in the town of Khusus near Cairo. The sources say four Christians were among the dead.
The clashes broke out late Friday when Christian children drew on the wall of a Muslim religious institute. At least six people were wounded.
The judge said Saturday the plaintiff had no legal standing in the case.
A Muslim Brotherhood lawyer had filed a suit against satirist Bassem Youssef, saying his show mocks Morsi and Islamist principles and contains "sexual innuendo." The lawyer also called for the suspension of the TV station that airs the show, Capital Broadcasting Center.
Another Brotherhood lawyer told the Associated Press the plaintiff filed the suit on his own, without involving the Islamist group.
The Muslim Brotherhood is Morsi's political party.
Last month, Youssef was arrested and questioned by police before being released on bail.
Opposition groups say Egypt's government is intensifying its crackdown on dissent and is thus risking the safety of freedom of expression.
In other news, Egyptian security sources say five people were killed in clashes between Muslims and Christians in the town of Khusus near Cairo. The sources say four Christians were among the dead.
The clashes broke out late Friday when Christian children drew on the wall of a Muslim religious institute. At least six people were wounded.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
