Netflix's first Arabic original causes controversy in Jordan
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Steve Timko
Jun 14, 2019, 5:50:35 PM6/14/19
to TV or Not TV
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Netflix's first Arabic original series, the supernatural teen drama "Jinn," has debuted worldwide with much fanfare, but sparked uproar in Jordan where it is set.
State-run media reported that the thriller's release prompted condemnation from several government officials who vowed to censor it for alleged "lewd scenes" that purportedly violate public morals. Jordan's army website says the cyber-crimes unit is attempting to pull it from Jordanian Netflix.
But it was unclear whether the government would make good on the threats. Netflix Middle East denounced the controversy on Twitter as a "wave of bullying."
In a statement Friday, the streaming service said the show deals with "universal themes" that "can be viewed as provocative." A spokesman said content removals are rare but that Netflix complies with official requests.
State-run media reported that the thriller's release prompted condemnation from several government officials who vowed to censor it for alleged "lewd scenes" that purportedly violate public morals. Jordan's army website says the cyber-crimes unit is attempting to pull it from Jordanian Netflix.
But it was unclear whether the government would make good on the threats. Netflix Middle East denounced the controversy on Twitter as a "wave of bullying."
In a statement Friday, the streaming service said the show deals with "universal themes" that "can be viewed as provocative." A spokesman said content removals are rare but that Netflix complies with official requests.
Tom Wolper
Jun 16, 2019, 6:12:51 PM6/16/19
to TV or not TV
On Fri, Jun 14, 2019 at 5:50 PM Steve Timko <steve...@gmail.com> wrote:
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Netflix's first Arabic original series, the supernatural teen drama "Jinn," has debuted worldwide with much fanfare, but sparked uproar in Jordan where it is set.
State-run media reported that the thriller's release prompted condemnation from several government officials who vowed to censor it for alleged "lewd scenes" that purportedly violate public morals. Jordan's army website says the cyber-crimes unit is attempting to pull it from Jordanian Netflix.
When stuff like this happens in middle eastern countries it is as likely to be a power move in an internal conflict as anything having to do with content. Netflix programs get pirated so even if the government pulls it from the service the show can still be downloaded and passed around.
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