CAIRO: Egypt's public prosecutor has ordered the arrest of popular satirist Bassem Youssef over alleged insults to Islam and to President Mohamed Mursi, in the latest clampdown on critical media.

Judicial sources said several complaints had been filed against Youssef, whose razor-sharp humour – delivered on his weekly television program Albernameg (The Show) – has spared few public figures.

Bassem Youssef ... latest in a string of media figures subject legal complaints. Credit:AP

He is accused of offending Islam through "making fun of the prayer ritual" on his show, and of insulting Dr Mursi by "making fun of his international standing", the sources said.

In one of the suits filed against him, the plaintiff asked that legal measures be taken against Youssef to discourage others from following his example, a source said.