(IPA/IFEX) – The following is a 12 November 2004 IPA press release: INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS CONDEMN BANNING OF “THE DA VINCI CODE” IN LEBANON The International Publishers’ Association (IPA) condemns the confiscation of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” in Lebanon. According to several reports, the “sûreté” asked Lebanon’s Catholic Information Centre for their opinion on […]
(IPA/IFEX) – The following is a 12 November 2004 IPA press release:
INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS CONDEMN BANNING OF “THE DA VINCI CODE” IN LEBANON
The International Publishers’ Association (IPA) condemns the confiscation of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” in Lebanon.
According to several reports, the “sûreté” asked Lebanon’s Catholic Information Centre for their opinion on “The Da Vinci Code” in early September 2004. As a result of this consultation, it banned the book, ordering Lebanese booksellers to take all French, English and Arabic copies off the shelves on Friday 10 September 2004.
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 Da Vinci Code” should not be considered as a violation of Lebanese legislation as it stands. It is a novel, which should not be considered as of a seriousness amounting to an insult or a defamation of God.
“The Da Vinci Code” has been published in numerous countries around the world, including in the Middle East. It met a huge success throughout the world. Nowhere has the book being confiscated. It is simply considered as an artistic book. Lebanon is the first and only country worldwide to ban “The Da Vinci Code”.
Says Ana Maria Cabanellas, President of the International Publishers Association: “Misconceived interpretations of patriotism, blasphemy or national security are obstacles to freedom to publish.”
The IPA, which has the deepest respect possible for everyone’s religious beliefs, supports its Lebanese colleagues in condemning the confiscation of “The Da Vinci Code” in Lebanon.
The International Publishers’ Association was founded in 1896 and represents the publishing industry worldwide through 78 national, regional and specialised publishers associations in 66 countries. IPA was founded to promote the lifeblood of publishing: Copyright protection and freedom to publish, internationally. IPA is an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation enjoying a consultative status to the United Nations.
