Skip to main content

Cash offer for TV shows to hide cigarettes, drugs has some in Egypt fuming

Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali's offer of 1 million Egyptian pounds to any TV series to not show smoking or drug use during the holy month of Ramadan causes a furor in Egypt.
seriesramadan.png
Read in 

CAIRO — Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali announced on May 11 that the ministry would offer a reward of 1 million Egyptian pounds (about $100,000) to any TV series airing during the upcoming Ramadan that does not feature any smoking or drug use. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins in early June, is a popular time for TV shows, with new series often airing episodes on a daily basis after the evening iftar meal.

Wali's announcement came on the televised program "Hona el-Asema" on CBC. The minister confirmed that she was taking this step because cinematic and TV productions exaggerate smoking and drug use in Egyptian society.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.