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Confiscating "Wasaia fi Ishq Al Nisaa" is a Breach of the Freedom of Opinion and Expression & a Threat to the Civil State
November 4, 2003
The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) expresses its deep concern regarding a decision made by the Islamic Research Institute of Al Azhar confiscating a book entitled "Wasaia fi Ishq Al Nisaa" (Recommendations for Loving Women). The author of such book is Ahmed El Shahawy, a poet. It was published by the General Book Authority in the series of "Reading for All" in January 2003.
It is noteworthy that a member of the People's Assembly who is an affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood submitted a notice to the Minister of Culture in the PA. He accused the Ministry of wasting money in issuing a book that "disrespects religion and morality".
Accordingly, the book was collected from the markets upon a decision by the head of the General Book Authority, Dr. Samir Sarhan. The latter formed a committee to read the book. In its report, the committee allowed the publication and distribution of the book as it does not contain "any traces of offence or provocation of religious feelings".
EOHR is of the opinion that thought and creativity should not by any means be subject to the censorship of religious institutions. As per the law, the Ministry of Culture is entitled to censor audio-visual materials.
EOHR expresses its concern regarding the growing censorship of the religious institutions, particularly, the Islamic Research Institute which has expanded its authorities to censor all form of audio-visual devices and publications.
EOHR calls for ceasing the implementation of such decision which does not conform to the provisions of Articles 47, 48, and 49 of the Constitution. Such Articles guarantee the freedom of expression and literary, artistic and cultural creativity.. Moreover, the decision does not adhere to the provisions of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It is supposed that the Covenant is a part of the Egyptian judicial system since Egypt is a signatory to it and since it was published in the Official Gazette.
EOHR reiterates its condemnation of the growing censorship exercised by the Islamic Research Institute of Al Azhar as it is an arbitrary restriction on the freedom of opinion, expression and belief.
Finally, EOHR calls upon the civil societies to cooperate in confronting such measures that poses constraints on the freedom of opinion, expression, thought and belief. Furthermore, it appeals to the Egyptian government to undertake its responsibility in facing such measures which threaten the concept of the civil state.
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Copyright © 2002 EOHR. All rights reserved. 