WATCH: Egypt TV host rags on ‘disgraceful’ atheism
Talk show presenter calls atheist guest’s views ‘unfortunate’; shouting match ensues
Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.
A recent debate about atheists on Egyptian TV deteriorated into a shouting match after the guest nonbeliever objected to the host describing atheist views as “unfortunate.”
Human rights activist and declared atheist Ahmed Harqan faced off against two others as a guest on the Al-Assema channel on November 3 for a discussion of his ideology. The talk show was hosted by actress and presenter Rania Mahmoud Yassin.
Yassin cheerfully introduced the segment by saying, “Atheism is not a new phenomenon, but unfortunately it exists in our society,” according to a translation of the exchange provided by the Washington-based Middle East Media Research Institute.
“The truth is that the phenomenon has begun spreading like wildfire,” she continued. “Unfortunately, it exists in Egypt. By now we have 866 atheists, and they have a significant presence in social media.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa3Qyd4lMH8
Harqan then called out Yassin for not taking a neutral stance in the debate as its host.
“I would like to object to the term ‘unfortunately,’ which was used twice,” he said.
“Off course I say ‘unfortunately,'” shot back Yassin, “when we have in our society people who are against our religion. I’m not going to look into the camera and say to these people ‘Bravo for being atheists.’ I’m sorry.”
Yassin then demanded that Harqan focus on the debate rather than her presentation skills.
“Either I’ll say what I want or I’m out of here,” warned the defiant Harqan.
As the atmosphere became more agitated, the two went on to accuse each other of having oppressive attitudes similar to those of the radical Islamic State group, that has gained notoriety for its brutal and murderous campaign.
“What proof do you have that God doesn’t exist?” challenged one of the other guests, who supported religious belief.
“And what proof do you have that Superman doesn’t exist?” retorted Harqan.
As the debate with Yassin again erupted, Harqan stood up and said he was leaving.
“Fine, leave,” Yassin said. “Go away. We don’t want any atheists or infidels here anyway.”
“So why did you invite me?” Yarqan challenged her.
“So that people can learn a lesson from atheism, heresy and all those disgraceful phenomena in society,” Yassin answered. “Disgraceful ideas!”
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