Complaints were received in regard to the programme “The world according to Bush” – broadcast 
on Special Assignment on Tuesday, 7th September 2004. One of the people interviewed in this Documentary made the following comment – “Muhammad was a terrorist…..”
The Tribunal agrees that judged out of context the words used concerning the Prophet are offensive and unacceptable. The programme, however, shows the ill-informed views which are said to have influenced President Bush. Such an inclusion was not intended to malign the Prophet, but simply shows the views which exist. The SABC has a duty to inform the public and the Tribunal is of the view that this would include a view such as that of Jerry Falwel, who is known to be a conservative politician with strong Christian views. The programme, judged as a whole, clearly did not side with that view and, accordingly, the comment did not fall foul of clause 35 of the Code.