Recently, we called on people to complain to Channel 4 about the inclusion of an attack on a female Communist MP by a Greek neo-Nazi politician in a 'comedic' review of 2012. The channel's reponse is published below. Grace Dawson of Channel 4's viewer enquiries department says that the programme's "ridicule was directed at Ilias Kasidiaris rather than the recipient". In the eyes of Channel 4, therefore, it is OK to use violent attacks on women and left-wingers as a pretext for comedy, as long as the attacker is also ridiculed. This must be of great comfort to those who have been the victims of fascist violence.
Thank you for your email.
We were sorry to read of the offence caused to you, by the inclusion of a clip in THE 50 FUNNIEST MOMENTS OF 2012, which involved an incident which occurred during a live political debate on Greek television earlier this year which was widely reported on at the time . The premise of the programme was to highlight, in clip form, some of the more unusual and bizarre moments which occurred in 2012, and this clip, certainly classifies as one of the more bizarre TV incidents of the year.
When including the clip, which was shown only once, there was no intent to condone the behaviour of Ilias Kasidiaris, the politician involved. The clip was introduced, prior to screening, as an “amazing yet alarming moment”. It was also described during the comedian’s commentary as ‘shocking’ & ‘horrifying’. That being so, we feel that it was clear to the viewer that the ridicule was directed at Ilias Kasidiaris rather than the recipient, Liana Kanelli or indeed could be seen as a glorification of the act itself.
We appreciate you taking the time to contact us with regard to this programme. We have made note of your comments for the information of those responsible for this programme.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise.
Regards,
Grace Dawson
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries