Iraqi Reality TV Show Pranks Bomb Check Points

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - It seems that an Iraqi reality TV show, with a concept similar to Ashton Kutcher's "Punk'd," has ruffled a few feathers since it launched in Iraq at the start of Ramadan.

The New York Times At War blog reported that the show, "Put Him in [Camp] Bucca," has received criticism from many Iraqis for making fun of their every day reality of roadside bomb check points.

The show, produced by privately owned broadcaster Al-Baghadia, has scared a number of famous Iraqis into thinking they are going to an American-run maximum security prison, after fake bombs were planted in their cars and they were caught at check points.

Iraqi security forces in Baghdad are in on the pranks, after granting permission for Al-Baghadia to create the show.

Even though Camp Bucca was closed in September 2009, the concept of the TV series still hits too close to home. Most Iraqi newspapers and many well-known Iraqis have called for the reality show to be pulled off the air due to its bad taste in material.

But the producers are calling the show entertainment and Iraqi celebrities in the episodes have given their thumbs up for the show, according The New York Times .

Ali al-Khalidi, the show's host, said they plan to continue to run the show until the Muslim fasting month ends, "Yes, there have been a lot of things said about it in the newspapers and on radio and television, but it will go on."

Metro UK reported that Iraqi actress, Asia Kamal, was a target of the show and seemed to have a good sense of humor about the whole thing, "I expected it to be a candid camera show but didn't expect all the army facilities and this level of acting. God bless them, they have good acting skills and they were patient and helpful."