Bassem Youssef: “The Joke Is Mightier Than the Sword” in Blacksburg

Egyptian satirist and former cardiac surgeon Bassem Youssef in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Hailed as the Jon Stewart of the Arab world, Bassem Youssef has become an icon of free speech in the Middle East. His wildly popular political-satire TV show Al Bernameg was the most watched show across the region with 30 million viewers each week. Throughout its three seasons, Al Bernameg remained controversial through its humorous yet bold criticism of the ruling powers, which led to a barrage of lawsuits being filed against the show and its host, and a warrant being issued for Youssef’s arrest. The show was ultimately canceled in 2014 due to overwhelming political pressure. Join us for two conversations (one in English, one in Arabic) about democracy, and how comedy and satire have become important forms of free expression and catalysts for change.