Algerian authorities announced the suspension of a local channel after it aired a film that included a scene depicting same-sex marriage. The country's audiovisual regulatory authority indicated a temporary halt to all programming on El-Salam TV. In a statement published by Algerian public television, the audiovisual authority said, "The authority has decided to temporarily suspend all programs broadcast by El-Salam TV, citing the channel's airing of a program that contains scenes inconsistent with Islamic law and the morals of Algerian society in an unprofessional and irresponsible manner."
The statement noted, "El-Salam TV aired this program last night at midnight." Homosexual activity is illegal in Algeria and is punishable under Article 338 of the Penal Code.
