Popular Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef's show suspended

A controversial satirical TV show hosted by Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef – often referred to as the country’s John Stewart – was taken off the air Friday after being accused of violating editorial policies.

A private Egyptian TV station stopped airing the latest episode of the widely popular show after it came under fire for allegedly mocking the country’s pro-military rulers.

Minutes before the weekly pre-recorded "El-Bernameg" show was set to air on Friday, CBC announced that it would not be shown because Youssef and his producer had allegedly violated its editorial policies.

Days earlier, Egypt's top prosecutor ordered an investigation into a complaint claiming that Youssef had harmed national interests by ridiculing the country's military on his TV show.

Youssef left for the United Arab Emirates on Friday.

The move to end the show came only days after Youssef returned to air from a four-month absence, and predicted in an article that he would continue to be pursued legally by his new critics, "who allegedly love freedom dearly – when it works in their favor," he said, taking a jab at the military rulers that consolidated power after ousting President Mohammed Morsi on July 3.

A statement from the chief prosecutor's office said Youssef was accused of disturbing the peace, harming public interests, creating chaos, sowing sedition and threatening social security and peace.

Youssef’s political sarcasm also got him in trouble when the Muslim Brotherhood held power, and he became a household name in Egypt. On March 30, the country’s top prosecutor under Morsi’s rule issued an arrest warrant for Youssef and held him for questioning. Youssef was accused of insulting Islam and the president. At that time, CBC stood by the host’s side.

Wire services