Arcom has warned Eutelsat to ensure there are no further broadcasts of the Al Aqsa channel.
In a decision initially published on December 20, the regulator says that given the current conflict in Gaza and a resurgence in anti-Semitic acts, the broadcasts must be subject to “restrictive measures specific measures in the fight against terrorism”. It says there are known links to the terror organisation Hamas.
In 2010, a formal notice was issued against Eutelsat with the aim of taking the channel off the air. However, Al Aqsa, which is also known as Yarmouk 2 TV, remerged on Eutelsat 8 West B until October 16 when Eutelsat was able to negotiate its removal from the relevant multiplex.
In a statement issued to France Presse, Eutelsat said: “This channel was broadcast as part of a bouquet by a partner distributor on the coverage area of Eutelsat 8 West B, including North Africa, the Middle East and a small part of southern Europe. Eutelsat did not directly ensure its broadcast” […] “The channel appeared under another name in the list of channels in this bouquet, even if it was, in the image, Al Aqsa “.
Arcom says that it’s the responsibility of any satellite network operator under French jurisdiction to ensure that the application of broadcasting contracts are subject to compliance with the principals set out in legislation.
Broadband TV News has approached Eutelsat for comment.
