Saudis stop reality TV votes

The Australian reports:

SAUDI mobile operator Mobily has stopped users from text-message voting for an Arab music-contract competition in the Big Brother vein because of an Islamic decree branding the reality show immoral.

Saudi religious scholars in May condemned the hugely popular Star Academy talent show as a crime against Islam when a young Saudi returned to a hero's welcome after winning in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

"The decision was taken last night because of a fatwa (religious decree) issued last year, since the program is culturally inappropriate," spokesman Humoud Alghodaini said today.

"It shows men and women living in one house, sometimes semi-naked and in inappropriate situations."

The program aired by Lebanese channel LBC entered its third season last week with two 21-year-old Saudi men among the 19 contestants from around the Arab world who will share a house 24 hours a day in a bid to win a recording contract.

Not everyone likes freedom.