AFP - Iranian state TV has fired two channel�managers over a live program deemed insulting to Sunni Muslims, it said in a�statement Sunday.


The sackings at Channel 5 came after a broadcast on May 20 celebrating the�birthday of the second imam in Shia Islam, Hassan ibn Ali.


During the program, religious chanter and story-teller Ahmad Qadami�recited a eulogy that "insulted the sanctities of Sunni Muslims", according to�official news agency IRNA.


"Following the negligence of airing an irreverent chanter's speech on�Channel 5, the channel's head and broadcast manager were fired," state TV's�website quoted head manager Abdolali Aliaskari as saying.


The channel's senior producer, program manager and video supervisor were�also fired, TV deputy head Morteza Mirbagheri told semi-official news agency�ISNA.


According to IRNA, the chanter was summoned by Iran's culture and media�court on Sunday and further investigations into his case are pending.


Iran is a Shiite powerhouse, but under the country's constitution, Sunnis�who account for around 10 percent of the population�are "free to perform�their religious rites according to their religious jurisprudence.�