Indian TV channel Republic TV has been charged with a fine of $20,000 by British Broadcasting Regulatory authority, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) over the matter of spreading hate speech on air against Pakistan.
An episode from the show “Bharat Poochta Hai” has been found by ofcom. The show airs at evening primetime. It is hosted by Arnab Goswami. The episode found by the British authority is from 6th September, 2019. The episode includes hate speech not only from the host but from the guests called on the show as well. According to ofcom “there were comments made by the host and some of his guests that amounted to hate speech against Pakistani people, and derogatory and abusive treatment of Pakistani people. The content was also potentially offensive and was not sufficiently justified by the context”.
During the episode there were different hate comments made by both, host and the guests. They were seeing saying “all Pakistanis are terrorists and their children are militants”, to which Arnab Goswami replied, “We make scientists, you make terrorists”.
As stated by ofcom “The host and the Indian guests dominated the discussion, with the Pakistani guests attempting to respond but largely being shouted down by the presenter and Indian guests”.
The statement further added “the content spread, incited, promoted, and justified such intolerance towards Pakistani people among viewers, these statements are based on their nationality alone”.
