From The Telegraph

Bassem Youssef, Egypt's top comedian and television personality appeared in court on Sunday on charges of insulting the country's president and making derogatory comments about Islam.

His weekly program Albernameg (The Show) has pushed the boundaries of local television with its merciless critique of those in power.

He is accused of offending Islam through "making fun of the prayer ritual" and of insulting President Mohamed Morsi by "making fun of his international standing".

His arrest sparked accusations that the government was attempting to intimidate critics. "Imagine Jon Stewart being arrested on charges of insulting Obama and contempt of Christianity. Yeah, that's how it is with Bassem Youssef," tweeted prominent commentator Mona Eltahawy.

Youssef rejected the accusation that he had insulted Islam.

"We are not the ones who insult religion, all we do is exposing the channels that have misused religion and harmed it more than anyone else. If there is anyone who has insulted religion it is those who use Islam as a weapon for political reasons," he said