THE award-winning actor censored by the BBC for calling for a ceasefire in Gaza has broken his silence.
Amir El-Masry encouraged the audience at the Scottish Bafta awards on November 19 to “hope and pray” for peace in Gaza and an “imminent ceasefire” – but this was removed by the BBC along with a speech made by Eilidh Munro.
Director Munro, who won the award for Best Short Film and Animation, told guests to “put pressure on institutions and our government” and to “use your voice as filmmakers and artists”, whilst her colleague Finlay Pretsell held up a poster which said: “I refuse to be silent. Ceasefire now.”
The BBC defended their actions in a statement which said the cut was made “to hit the programme’s run-time”.
El-Masry, who presented the award for best actress in a film, said on Sunday: “Before I start, I just want to echo the sentiments earlier in saying my heart goes out all women, men and children who are suffering right now in Gaza.
"Let’s hope and pray that we see peace in the region and an imminent ceasefire.”
He had also been pictured on the red carpet with "#ceasefirenow" written on his hand.
Responding to his words being cut, the Egyptian-born British actor told The National he felt his feelings were being censored by the BBC.
He said: “I’m deeply distraught that in a world where we are all universally heartbroken by the bloodshed that is being spilled, that our feelings are being censored.”
El-Masry represents his home country of Egypt as ambassador for the United Nations international initiative Shabab Balad, in cooperation with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
He previously starred in the film Limbo which follows Omar, a Syrian musician staying on a remote island in Scotland and taking cultural awareness classes while awaiting the processing of their refugee claims.
The actor, who currently resides in London, won a Scottish Bafta for his performance.
El-Masry described the shoot which took place in the Uists in an interview with the Los Angeles Times as “tough”.
He added: “But I think it was necessary and useful for me personally. To even feel an ounce of what someone would have felt in real circumstances. I think if we were in a heated studio, you wouldn’t have been able to get the right feeling. It wouldn’t feel as authentic. We didn’t want to feel that level of comfort when you’ve got such an important film.”
Munro also shared her reaction with The National. She described it “as somewhat surreal that an event which celebrates artists and filmmakers for using their voices and creating work to speak out against injustice can also be censored”.
She added: "In my opinion, the BBC’s editorial decision to omit these peaceful signs of solidarity is neither neutral nor impartial.
"As an emerging director creating and celebrating independent documentaries, it’s also disappointing to have this platform taken away from a sector that is already largely underrepresented in mainstream media."
BAFTA Scotland were approached for comment and asked if they stood by the stars and winners of the award.
They stated: “The full ceremony and all speeches are available to view in full on BAFTA's social channels.”
