Iraqis split over prank TV show

Iraqi television viewers are divided over a programme in which celebrities are accused of transporting car bombs.

The victims are told they will be going to jail or may be executed when the "bombs" are found by soldiers at fake checkpoints in Baghdad.

The programme is called Send Him to Bucca, a reference to a notorious US military detention centre in southern Iraq which closed last year.

The program, broadcast over the past few weeks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on the Al-Baghdadia station, has divided opinions in the country.

Critics say it is in poor taste in a country where sectarian violence is commonplace.

Thousands of Iraqis have put their names on an online petition campaigning to have it taken off-air. Others say black humour is a good way of helping Iraqis cope with the stress of violence.