Mobeen Azhar

The publication of Salman Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses in 1988 sparked a culture war in Britain between the Muslim community, who considered the book blasphemous and called for the book to be banned, and those defending it as an expression of freedom of speech. Protests, began in England and soon spread to the rest of the Islamic world, culminating in February 1989 with Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issuing a fatwa - a death sentence on the writer. Now, 30 years on, Mobeen Azhar embarks on a journey to examine the lasting effect the book has had on the Muslim community, and continue to have an impact today. Mobeen hears from a range of people affected by the so called 'Rushdie Affair' - from the men who took an early stand against the book; to a writer who wrestled with the book's publication, complex questions of free speech, and her own religious beliefs; and a former member of the National Front who claims that the furor over the book became a recruiting tool for them.

Mobeen Azhar journeys from Los Angeles to Britney’s hometown of Kentwood, untangling the complexities surrounding her controversial conservatorship

With extraordinary access to a smartphone used by three British men who went to fight in Syria, Mobeen Azhar uncovers what made them join ISIS and what happened to them.

Award-winning journalist Mobeen Azhar investigates music’s most troubling story. How did Kanye West go from one of America’s most celebrated artists to a megaphone for hate and division?

A shopping mall Santa targeted and terrorised Toronto's gay village - murdering eight men in a seven-year killing spree. Why wasn't he stopped sooner? Mobeen Azhar investigates.

Johnny Kitagawa’s legendary male-only talent agency trained young boys to become superstars. But for over 50 years, Japan has kept Kitagawa’s dark secret – a long history of allegations of sexual abuse, made by boys in his agency. Even after the music mogul’s death in 2019, the Japanese media remained largely silent. Why? Journalist Mobeen Azhar explores the suffocating reality of being a J-pop idol and the influence that Kitagawa had on the media, and exposes the brutal consequences of turning a blind eye.

Kanye West - Ikone und Skandal

Vogue Williams and Mobeen Azhar separate cosmetic surgery fact from fiction. Can watching an operation and speaking to experts help four people decide if surgery is right for them?

Mobeen Azhar investigates the story of a 20-year-old medical student who went from handing out cash to strangers to being at the centre of an alleged multi-million-pound scam.

Current affairs programme, featuring interviews and investigative reports on a wide variety of subjects.