Lebanese lady stands up to sexist comments by Islamist scholar

Taking the internet by storm, Lebanese TV host Rima Karaki during an interview stood up to a comment by London-based Islamist Hani Al-Siba'i: 'It is beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who…’ to which she retorted: 'Either there is mutual respect, or this conversation is over'

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By Web Report

Published: Mon 9 Mar 2015, 6:41 PM

Last updated: Mon 4 Mar 2024, 11:29 AM

The interview was for Lebanon's Al Jadeed TV on the weekend of International Women’s Day. Karaki brought out the topic of Christians joining Islamic groups, to which Al-Siba'i repeatedly spoke of how common it has always been. While Siba'i went off on a historical tangent, Karaki tried to get the scholar to speak on the topic and current issues, asking him to 'focus on the present'.

In a fraction of a second Dr Al Siba’i turned angry, raised his voice and said: 'Listen, don't cut me off. I will answer as I please. I will not answer the way you like, because I’m here to serve the idea in which I believe.'

To which Rima Karaki riposted: ‘In this studio, I run the show.’

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Al-Siba'i replied: 'Are you done? 'Shut up so I can talk. It's beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who...'

And that was when it seemed like the mic of Al-Siba'I was switched off and Karaki articulated: ‘‘Either there is mutual respect, or this conversation is over.’

Web Report

Published: Mon 9 Mar 2015, 6:41 PM

Last updated: Mon 4 Mar 2024, 11:29 AM

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