Netflix confirmed on Tuesday that it removed an episode of a satirical comedy show that criticises Saudi Arabia, after officials in the kingdom reportedly complained.
The move raises new questions about the limits of free online expression.
In the episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj , the American-born Muslim lashed at Saudi Arabia after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
He specifically criticised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and was also critical of the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen.
“We strongly support artistic freedom worldwide and removed this episode only in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request - and to comply with local law,” a Netflix spokeswoman said in a statement.
British newspaper the Financial Times said Netflix’s action came after the kingdom’s Communications and Information Technology Commission said the episode violated the cybercrime law.
Karen Attiah, Khashoggi’s editor at The Washington Post , said Netflix’s action was “quite outrageous.”
The Saudi Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The episode can still be seen in other parts of the world -- and in Saudi Arabia on YouTube.
