Congressmen would label as terrorists satellite platforms used by Alhurra.

Legislation "authored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., seeks to punish satellite companies that carry channels that are mouthpieces for known terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas -- stations they say incite their audiences to commit acts of terrorism against the United States. ... The legislation, if passed, will label as terrorists those satellite providers that 'knowingly and willingly contract with entities designated as specially designated global terrorists' under U.S. law. The administration will have to administer an annual report that includes research on the content of such broadcasts. ... Of chief concern to lawmakers are satellite carriers ArabSat and NileSat, which transmit stations like al-Aqsa, al-Manar TV and al-Rafidayn TV -- an anti-Iraqi government channel -- across the Arab world. Bilirakis said that while the legislation does not include provisions on how, specifically, satellite providers will be punished, he said he hopes it will eventually lead to sanctions -- including sanctions on the countries that are state sponsors of such networks." Fox News, 14 May 2009. Arabsat and Nilesat also transmit US-government-funded Alhurra to Arab homes. Posted: 18 May 2009 Permalink Print