Persepolis is an animated film adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel about growing up in Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. It contains a scene showing a character representing God and that has cause outrage in Tunisia where it was broadcast. The television station was sued and another uproar was had when the scene was played in court.
Critics accused station owner of Nabil Karoui of trying to inflame a tense pre-election environment in Tunisia and several suits were filed against him. Karoui is accused of “attacks against sacred values and morals and disturbing the public order.”
In addition to the demonstrations, many of which had to be confronted by tear gas, Karoui’s home was attacked by a mob wielding petrol bombs.