Channel 4 slated over broadcast by Iranian leader

Published on Thursday 25 December 2008 18:18

CHANNEL 4's decision to broadcast an alternative Christmas message by Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was condemned by the government yesterday.

The Foreign Office said the move would cause international offence. A spokeswoman said: "President Ahmadinejad has, during his time in office, made a series of appalling antisemitic statements.

"The British media are rightly free to make their own editorial choices, but this invitation will cause offence and bemusement not just at home but amongst friendly countries abroad."

Louise Ellman, a Liverpool MP and chairwoman of the Labour Jewish Movement, also criticised the broadcaster. She said: "I condemn Channel 4's decision to give an unchallenged platform to a dangerous fanatic who denies the Holocaust while preparing for another and claims homosexuality does not exist while his regime hangs gay young men from cranes in the street.

"Who will deliver next year's alternative Christmas message? Will it be David Irving or Robert Mugabe?"

In the message screened last night, Mr Ahmadinejad called for a peaceful new year and for greater spirituality among governments and society.

Speaking in Farsi, with English subtitles, he said: "Jesus, the Son of Mary, is the standard bearer of justice, of love for our fellow human beings, of the fight against tyranny, discrimination and injustice.

"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers."

Channel 4 has a history of choosing unusual icons to deliver its Christmas messages, which it began broadcasting in 1993. They have included Marge Simpson, Ali G, Jamie Oliver and a couple who appeared on its reality TV show Wife Swap.

Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to Britain, branded this year's choice a "sick and twisted irony".

He said: "In Iran, converts to Christianity face the death penalty. It is perverse that this despot is allowed to speculate on the views of Jesus, while his government leads Christ's followers to the gallows."

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, of the group Liberal Judaism, said: "I have no trouble with Channel 4 dealing with difficult issues. But doing a sort of lucky dip to pick a controversial character, then allowing him to make a lovey-dovey speech, that this character is being allowed to dress himself up as a kind of Father Christmas, that is problematic."

Dorothy Byrne, Channel 4's head of news and current affairs defended its move and said: "As leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view."

Meanwhile, war and the economic crisis dominated other festive messages from spiritual leaders and the Queen, whose address highlighted the insecurity people felt as a result of the downturn. It would be a "sombre occasion" for many, she said.