Al-Alam network taken off air by Arabsat

The Saudi-run satellite operator Arabsat on Wednesday took off air the Arabic-language Al-Alam television network without prior notice.

The network had been off the air in November, when Arabsat and Cairo-based Nilesat dropped it without prior notification.

Several regional and international media and political activists slammed the move then, saying that the ban is in violation of freedom of expression.

Al-Alam officials say the removal is in violation of the satellite’s obligation to the network