Ofcom says Islamic scholar's remarks were 'likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder'

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

A British TV channel has been fined £105,000 after it aired a live lecture by an Islamic scholar who allegedly advocated killing people who insult the prophet Muhammad.

Manchester-based station DM Digital, which describes itself as Britain's most-watched Asian channel, broadcast the one-hour programme in Urdu in October 2011.

The Islamic scholar can be heard telling his audience: "I hail those who made this law [Pakistan's blasphemy law] which states that one who insults the Prophet deserves to be killed – such a person should be eliminated."

Ofcom's English-language translation of his lecture suggest he also told viewers: "If someone takes a step in the love of the Prophet, then this is not terrorism."

On Friday, the media regulator said it had fined DM Digital £85,000 for airing the scholar's remarks and a further £20,000 for a separate programme. The channel has also been ordered to broadcast a statement by Ofcom.

Ofcom said: "The programme Rehmatul Lil Alameen featured a live lecture by an Islamic scholar, which included material that Ofcom considered was likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder.

"This was because, on a reasonable interpretation of the scholar's remarks, Ofcom considered he was personally advocating that all Muslims had a duty to attack or kill apostates or those perceived to have insulted the Prophet."

DM Digital last May became the first UK broadcaster censured by Ofcom for airing material "likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder".

The Manchester-based channel has previously been fined £15,000 in 2010 for airing "potentially dangerous" claims about the use of homeopathic medicines, and £17,500 in 2008 for broadcasting an advertisement "likely to exploit vulnerable viewers".

DM Digital had not returned a request for comment at the time of publication.

• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email media@theguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook