Popular television satirist Bassem Youssef, who stands accused in Egypt of defaming Islam and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, posted bail on Sunday, but still faces jail time and a possible fine.
Youssef’s program “The Show” often takes jabs at Egypt’s leaders. The program is hosted in front of a live studio audience and has more than 30 million viewers across the Middle East, according to CBS News.
Youssef turned himself in on Sunday in response to an arrest warrant released by the government on Sunday. Egypt’s top prosecutor interrogated Youssef for five hours before ordering him to pay a fine of 15,000 Egyptian pounds and releasing him without charge.
“[The officials] were quite fair,” Youssef told CBS News.”The problem is the whole procedure.”
The satirist is being investigated based on laws that date back to 200 years. Observers view the incident as an affront to free speech and human rights.
Youssef said he will remain steadfast in spite of his incarceration.
“If you tone down the show, this is exactly what they want,” Youssef said, adding that “we’re going to take it through the roof.”
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