(IPA/IFEX) – The following is a 15 December 2004 IPA press release: INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS URGE LEBANESE AUTHORITIES TO LIFT BAN ON DAN BROWN’S “THE DA VINCI CODE” Reacting to IPA’s initial condemnation of the September confiscation of Dan Brown’s book, the Lebanese authorities recently acknowledged the role played by the General Security Department in the […]
(IPA/IFEX) – The following is a 15 December 2004 IPA press release:
INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS URGE LEBANESE AUTHORITIES TO LIFT BAN ON DAN BROWN’S “THE DA VINCI CODE”
Reacting to IPA’s initial condemnation of the September confiscation of Dan Brown’s book, the Lebanese authorities recently acknowledged the role played by the General Security Department in the banning of books in Lebanon, including “The Da Vinci Code”. IPA promptly responded by calling upon the Lebanese authorities to lift the ban on “The Da Vinci Code”.
Says Lars Grahn, the Swedish Publisher chairing the IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee: “The banning of “The Da Vinci Code” in Lebanon is in direct breach of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”
The government of Lebanon is denying its citizens access to a highly acclaimed, widely read and internationally celebrated book.
Says Ana Maria Cabanellas, President of the International Publishers Association: “The Da Vinci Code” is a novel, an artistic book. The suppression of literature based on the ‘creation of confessional incitements’, or ‘affection of national security’ cannot be accepted by the IPA. National security should be based on more solid grounds. Misconceived interpretations of patriotism, blasphemy or national security are obstacles to freedom of expression and freedom to publish.”
