Egyptian prosecutors have launched a probe against a popular TV comedian for allegedly insulting the president.
Bassem Youssef is accused of insulting and "undermining the standing" of President Muhammad Morsi by printing the Islamist leader's picture on a pillow and parodying his speeches.
Youssef's case comes as independent media grow increasingly worried about press freedoms under a new constitution that opposition activists say restricts basic rights.
Youssef, who hosts his own TV show, has mocked Morsi's repeated use of the word "love" in his speeches and printed the president's face on a fluffy, red pillow.
Egypt’s prosecutor-general ordered the investigation after an unnamed Islamist lawyer registered a formal compliant against Youssef.
It was not immediately clear when the complaint was lodged.
Bassem Youssef is accused of insulting and "undermining the standing" of President Muhammad Morsi by printing the Islamist leader's picture on a pillow and parodying his speeches.
Youssef's case comes as independent media grow increasingly worried about press freedoms under a new constitution that opposition activists say restricts basic rights.
Youssef, who hosts his own TV show, has mocked Morsi's repeated use of the word "love" in his speeches and printed the president's face on a fluffy, red pillow.
Egypt’s prosecutor-general ordered the investigation after an unnamed Islamist lawyer registered a formal compliant against Youssef.
It was not immediately clear when the complaint was lodged.