The UK's Channel 4 have stirred up some controversy this holiday season by broadcasting a Christmas message from Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad within hours of the Queen’s annual Christmas address.
The Islamic leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East gave a provocative speech in his native Farsi to camera. (Full English translation here)
Watch the speech ahmadinejad, christmas speech,
He made a point about Jesus Christ, who is recognised as a prophet in the Muslim faith.
"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly He would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over."
The speech and its broadcast has garnered vitriolic criticism from the UK government and the mainstream media. BBC lead with this strapline:
"Allowing Iran's president to deliver Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message will cause "international offence", the UK government has said.
Israel's ambassador to Britain, Ron Prosor was not best pleased, to put it lightly:
"In Iran, converts to Christianity face the death penalty. It is perverse that this despot is allowed to speculate on the views of Jesus, while his government leads Christ's followers to the gallows."
He said:
"the British broadcaster's decision to broadcast the message was a "scandal and a national embarrassment" and in "its search for ratings and shock factor, Channel 4 has lost its ethical way".The Irish Times
Mark Pritchard, MP said:
Channel Four has given a platform to a man who wants to annihilate Israel and continues to persecute Christians at Christmas time