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Ahmadinejad C4 speech condemned Ahmadinejad show 'causes offence'
(about 1 hour later)
Channel 4's decision to broadcast an alternative Christmas message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been criticised by MPs. Allowing Iran's president to deliver Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message will cause "international offence", the government says.
He will be shown telling British viewers "the general will of nations" is for a return to "human values". President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad will be shown telling British viewers "the general will of nations" is for a return to "human values".
Labour MP Louise Ellman condemned the channel for giving a "platform" to a "dangerous fanatic." The decision angered some MPs, who branded him a "dangerous fanatic" with anti-semitic and anti-gay views.
The speech, in Farsi with English subtitles, will be the channel's 16th alternative Christmas message. Channel 4 said it was offering viewers an "alternative world view".
In his speech, Mr Ahmadinejad congratulates the people of Britain on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. The speech, in Farsi with English subtitles, is its 16th alternative message and will be shown after a brief introduction to Mr Ahmedinejad putting his views in context, Channel 4 said.
In it, Mr Ahmadinejad congratulates the people of Britain on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.
He says that problems in society are rooted in the rejection of the message of the prophets of God, including Jesus.He says that problems in society are rooted in the rejection of the message of the prophets of God, including Jesus.
And he criticises the "indifference of some governments and powers" towards the teachings of "the divine prophets". And he criticises the "indifference of some governments and powers" towards the teachings of "the divine prophets". Channel Four has given a platform to a man who wants to annihilate Israel and continues to persecute Christians at Christmas time Mark Pritchard MP
"Dangerous fanatic" However, a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: "President Ahmadinejad has during his time in office made a series of appalling anti-Semitic statements.
"The British media are rightly free to make their own editorial choices, but this invitation will cause offence and amusement not just at home but amongst friendly countries abroad."
Labour MP Louise Ellman, chairwoman of the Labour Jewish Movement, 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.Labour MP Louise Ellman, chairwoman of the Labour Jewish Movement, 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?""Who will deliver next year's alternative Christmas message? Will it be David Irving or Robert Mugabe?"
Conservative MP Mark Pritchard, a member of the all-party media group said: "Channel Four has given a platform to a man who wants to annihilate Israel and continues to persecute Christians at Christmas time. Conservative MP Mark Pritchard, a member of the all-party media group, said: "Channel Four has given a platform to a man who wants to annihilate Israel and continues to persecute Christians at Christmas time.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS SPEECHES Sharon OsbourneBrigitte BardotJamie OliverALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS SPEECHES Sharon OsbourneBrigitte BardotJamie Oliver
"This raises serious questions about whether Channel 4 should receive an increased public subsidy for their programmes.""This raises serious questions about whether Channel 4 should receive an increased public subsidy for their programmes."
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor 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."Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor 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."
He said Channel 4's decision to broadcast the message was a "scandal and a national embarrassment" and in "its search for ratings and shock factor, Channel 4 has lost its ethical way".He said Channel 4's decision to broadcast the message was a "scandal and a national embarrassment" and in "its search for ratings and shock factor, Channel 4 has lost its ethical way".
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell joined the attack, and called on the broadcaster to "pull the plug on this criminal despot, who ranks with Robert Mugabe, Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and the Burmese military junta as one of the world's most bloody tyrants".Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell joined the attack, and called on the broadcaster to "pull the plug on this criminal despot, who ranks with Robert Mugabe, Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and the Burmese military junta as one of the world's most bloody tyrants".
'Enormously influential''Enormously influential'
But Channel 4 defended its decision to broadcast the message.But Channel 4 defended its decision to broadcast the message.
Head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne said: "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential.Head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne said: "As the 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.""As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view."
A spokesman added: "Channel 4's role is to allow viewers to hear directly from people of world importance with sufficient context to enable them to make up their own minds."
He said the channel had not asked for increased public funding, rather an indirect subsidy to overcome a funding shortfall caused by the digital switchover.
Channel 4's first alternative message was delivered by gay icon Quentin Crisp in 1993.Channel 4's first alternative message was delivered by gay icon Quentin Crisp in 1993.
Others to have given the broadcast include French actress Brigitte Bardot, former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne and TV chef Jamie Oliver.Others to have given the broadcast include French actress Brigitte Bardot, former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne and TV chef Jamie Oliver.
Last year's message was given by Maj Andrew Stockton, a British soldier who lost an arm fighting in Afghanistan.Last year's message was given by Maj Andrew Stockton, a British soldier who lost an arm fighting in Afghanistan.
Unlike previous years, it will be broadcast at night and not at the same time as the Queen's speech.Unlike previous years, it will be broadcast at night and not at the same time as the Queen's speech.
The message of seasonal goodwill is to be aired at 1915 GMT.The message of seasonal goodwill is to be aired at 1915 GMT.