Bambi just read in L’Orient Today that a young Lebanese comedian, Mr. Mario Moubarak, was detained and released by the General Security because of a clip from one of his sketches, which included a joke about Jesus.
What a sick and sad world we live in when we cannot even joke and laugh about any topic, including religion or faith. This joke, which was taken out of context (a classic in censorship cases) seemed to have been that the funeral of Jesus Christ was not successful because he has risen from the dead: “Jesus’ burial probably wasn’t successful, since in the end he got up” was the precise joke. Is there anything funnier than this original joke (https://tinyurl.com/2kav2rb7)?
Bambi made the above favourable comment, even if Jesus Christ happens to be “her” God (in her heart), just like for Mr. Moubarak who made the following statement: “The one-minute portion currently circulating is part of a 20-minute segment that has been available on YouTube for six months. In stand-up, context is essential to understanding the idea. There was no intention to harm or blaspheme Christ. I am Christian, attended a Catholic school, and Christianity has always been an important part of my life. That is why I addressed it in my show, with no intention to hurt anyone’s feelings.” He also thanked those who had supported him“.
Of note, Bambi would have made the same comment , had this comedian been of a different faith or atheist.
Bearing the above in mind, L’Orient Today’s article ended with the following alarming facts: “A source close to Moubarak said the Christian group Les Soldats du Seigneur was the first to share the clip “for malicious reasons, making it appear as though Mario himself had just posted it.” The source added that the comedian has received “numerous death threats” after his phone number was circulated online. Lebanese General Security questioned Moubarak upon his arrival at Beirut airport, later releasing him while confiscating his passport and phone, according to information obtained Friday night”.
Bambi recalls having had an old post about this odd, extreme group, calling itself “Soldats du Seigneurs” [Soldiers of the Lord]. This being said, regardless of this group’s involvement or not, it is totally unacceptable to threaten Mr. Moubarak’s life.
Furthermore, it is highly disturbing and unacceptable to learn that the Lebanese General Security arrested Mr. Mario Moubarak upon his return to the country, confiscating his phone and passport. All this because of a joke? Where is the legendary sense of humour of the people of Lebanon gone?
Of note, From other Lebanese media sources on YouTube called Red TV, Bambi learned about a lawyer, Ms. Aimée Helou, who caused Mr. Moubarak this legal hassle. Ms. Helou did this in her personal name, it seems. How sad to see a legal expert dishonouring a precious value in both her country and profession, namely the protection of freedom of expression of a fellow citizen. In this case his artistic expression.
To conclude this post, Bambi has never heard about Mr. Moubarak until today. She will take the time to listen to his sketches from now on. Even if she might not understand specific jokes if they are too culturally charged (she has been away of Lebanon for too long), she knows the following very clearly: she stands by his right to freedom of expression whether his jokes are related to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, atheism, or anything else, including sex. Thanks to him for making our world a bit lighter.
