Lebanese TV Host Rima Karaki Cuts Short London-Based Islamist's Interview following Insolent Remarks

On March 2, 2015 on Lebanon's Al-Jadeed/New TV, program host Rima Karaki abruptly ended an interview with Islamist Hani Al-Siba'i, who was speaking from London, after he refused to answer her questions. After stating "I will not answer the way you like, because I'm here to serve the idea in which I believe," he went on to tell her to "shut up" and added, "It's beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman..."

 

The Egyptian London-based Islamist Al-Siba'i, who directs the London-based Al Maqrizi Center, has been in the UK since 1994; he fled Egypt after being convicted of plotting terror attacks.

 

Following is an excerpt from the interview:

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "Regarding the issue of [Christians] joining... For example, when a group of Christians joins an Islamic group, support it, and join its ranks – Well, this is an old phenomenon. It's nothing new. Actually, it's not really that old. It doesn't go that deep into history, but it was at its peak during the 1970s, with the leftist revolutionary movement. Back then, we saw leftist organizations, like the Red Brigades in Italy, the Red Army in Germany, the Baader Meinhof Group, as well as the Venezuelan engineer Carlos –"

 

 

Host Rima Karaki: "Dr. Al-Sibai, let's focus on the present. At present, what slogans are used to attract [Christians] to these groups?"

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "Listen, don't cut me off. I will answer as I please. I will not answer the way you like, because I'm here to serve the idea in which I believe – "

 

 

Karaki: "Just a second... We respect..."

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "What kind of behavior is this?!"

 

 

Karaki: "Please don't get all worked up. We respect you and know you want to give a complete answer. Unfortunately, we have limited time –"

 

 

Al-Sibai: "I agreed with Mr. Ibrahim Harbi –"

 

 

Karaki: "Fine, go on. They've given us more time."

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "I agreed with him that you wouldn't cut me off.”

 

 

Karaki: "Enough with that, go on –"

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "You think you're so high and mighty?!"

 

 

Karaki: "Go on, but do not call me names."

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "I am serving the idea in which I believe."

 

 

Karaki: "In this studio, I run the show. For your own benefit, I'm telling you that we are running out of time. If you are going to elaborate so much, we won't have time for other questions. If we start discussing history, we won't have enough time for our topic. Now, it's up to you. If we have time, you will answer all the questions, but I will be the one to decide."

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "You can decide as much as you like, but I will do whatever I want."

 

 

Karaki: "Okay, let us hear your answer. Let's get back to the topic rather than waste time arguing."

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "Are you done? Shut up so I can talk. I am talking so that people can understand – "

 

 

Karaki: "How can a respected sheikh like yourself tell a TV host to shut up?!"

 

 

Al-Siba'i: "I am respected whether you like it or not –"

 

Karaki: "Enough. Let's wrap this up."

 

Al-Siba'i: "It's beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who – "

 

 

Karaki: "Just one second. Either there is mutual respect, or the conversation is over."