Channel 4 have faced heavy criticism after broadcasting a Christmas Day speech by Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
During his speech, which was televised yesterday in Farsi with English subtitles, he said: "Jesus, the son of Mary, is the standard bearer of justice, of love for fellow human beings, of the fight against tyranny, discrimination and injustice.
"If Christ were on earth today, undoubtedly he would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over...
"I pray for the New Year to be a year of happiness, prosperity and brotherhood for humanity."
However, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was not convinced: "Ahmadinejad's soft words are pure propaganda. They bear no relationship to the bloody, repressive policies he is pursuing against his own people, gay or straight."
Likewise, government members are equally appauled by the network's decision.
Conservative MP, Mark Pritchard, a member of the Commons all-party media group, said: "Channel 4 have given a platform to a man who wants to annihilate Israel and persecute Christians at a Christian time.
"This raises serious questions about whether Channel 4 should receive an increased subsidy for the programmes."
Channel 4 said it had offered "an alternative world view." It was the station's sixteenth alternative Christmas day message and followed a brief introduction to Ahmadinejad, contextualising his extreme views.
Last year's message was given by Major Andrew Stockton, a British soldier who lost his arm when fighting in Afghanistan.