Channel fined for Islamic scholar's 'duty to kill' speech

A television channel has been hit with a large fine after broadcasting a speech by an Islamic scholar who said Muslims had "a duty to kill" anyone who insulted the prophet.

The watchdog Ofcom levied the fine, totalling £105,000, after it found DM Digital had twice breached the broadcasting code.

Ofcom's report cited a programme called Rehmatul Lil Alameen which was broadcast on October 9 2011, and which featured a live lecture which it said was "likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder".

Ofcom fined the channel £85,000 and ordered them not to repeat the broadcast.

The channel was also criticised for its coverage of a UK-based conference later the same year which Ofcom said offered a "one-sided" view of political violence in Karachi.

It was fined £20,000 in that instance.