World press on Bassem Youssef's prosecution in Egypt (April 28, 2013)

"When sarcasm becomes the most effective political weapon, we must admit Egypt is changing. Egypt’s Bassem Youssef was named among the most influential 100 people in the world by Time magazine last week. If nothing at all, Bassem’s weekly show “El Bernameg,” which literally translates into “The Program” must be one of the strongest indications of the change in Egypt so far. With a rapidly growing following, Bassem, originally a trained heart surgeon turned political satirist, has captured the hearts and minds of more than 30 million and growing. His real claim to fame, other than a superb eye for the organically grown satire of rule in Egypt, is his ability to stay tuned and pinpoint the pulse of the confused and surreal events in the country. He is a rebel with a cause.” - the article by Hala Elkholy published by the Hurriyet Daily News begins.

According to the author, "Bassem and his technically savvy team do much more than just make people laugh their heads off. Theirs is a well-thought-through, clear objective of uncovering the realities of the political situation, of creating public awareness and exposing misleading information and informants".

"Bassem has already been legally accused and questioned for allegedly diminishing the president’s stature, among other charges. He got out on bail and is expected to face some other, more bizarre charges soon as he announced on his last appearance with Jon Stewart last week. His very symbolic anecdote of the joker in France who was poisoned by the priest in a very cunning way because he had been too popular “to kill or jail” was spot on as he delivered his humorous words at the Time 100 Gala," the article reads.

"Bassem is yet another clear example of an Egyptian who dared follow his dream and created success. Inspired by Jon Stewart, he is an inspiration to many as his popular program continues to expose the fake rhetoric of those struggling for power in Egypt." the author concludes.