Satellites move to ban Al-Alam angers Muslim world

Local Editor, 6-11-2009

The Saudi-based Arabsat and Cairo-based Nilesat's move to take Al-Alam network off air has prompted international rage against the two companies' illegal act.

In a shock move against the Tehran-based network on Tuesday, Arabsat and Nilesat stopped Al-Alam's broadcast without any specific reasons.

The move has stirred angers across the world. Several Palestinian distinguished figures, political activists and some satellite networks have so far condemned the provocative act.

Anwar Raja, head of the information bureau of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine- General Command PFLP-GC, condemned on Wednesday the two Arab-controlled satellite companies' measure to drop Al-Alam as "politically motivated."

"Their move was politically and ideologically motivated, because Al-Alam has always tried to reflect realities, and carry the voice of Palestinian nation and their resistance" to the world, Anwar Raja told the Arabic language TV channel.

Arabsat and Nilesat were among several satellites on which Al-Alam television broadcast its programs.