Every year, controversy resurfaces over prank shows during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. On April 17, Galal Awara, a member of the Egyptian parliamentary Media and Culture Committee, called on media bodies to stop all prank shows during Ramadan, which begins in two weeks.

On April 18-19, a number of members of parliament supported Awara's request, prompting the Media and Culture Committee to hold a session April 21 to discuss the process of stopping these shows, given their negative impact on the public.

Awara said the shows are immoral and attract their audience by terrifying viewers, which he said has serious negative effects on family and society. In August 2016, a 10-year-old child burned himself to death while trying to imitate a prank show. Awara said that the safety measures used on these shows can be insufficient and dangerous for guests.

The prank show Awara is referring to is hosted by Egyptian actor Ramez Galal, who has presented "Ramez the Lion Heart" (2011), "Ramez the Desert Fox" (2012), "Ramez Ankh Amun" (2013), "Ramez the Sea Shark" (2014), "Ramez in Control" (2015), "Ramez Plays with Fire" (2016) and, scheduled for Ramadan 2017, "Ramez Underground."