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Kuwait plans to block YouTube over Islam content

Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:47am EDT

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KUWAIT, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Kuwait has ordered local Internet service providers to block online video-sharing website YouTube over clips that could offend Muslims.

"Since the website displays the Koran in the form of songs sung with the oud (stringed instrument) ... and displays disrespectful pictures of the Prophet Mohammad ... please proceed with immediate effect in blocking the website www.youtube.com," read a copy of a memo obtained by Reuters.

The Ministry of Communications was not immediately available for a comment. The website could still be accessed in Kuwait on Monday.

Islamist and tribal groups managed to increase their grip on parliament in the pro-Western Gulf Arab state's May elections with some deputies demanding Kuwaiti broadcasters show more religious content.

YouTube is a unit of Internet search engine Google Inc (GOOG.O). (Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Sami Aboudi)



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