(EOHR/IFEX) – The following is a 4 November 2003 EOHR press release: Confiscating “Wasaia fi Ishq Al Nisaa” is a Breach of Freedom of Opinion and Expression and a Threat to the Civil State The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) expresses its deep concern regarding a decision made by the Islamic Research Institute of […]
(EOHR/IFEX) – The following is a 4 November 2003 EOHR press release:
Confiscating “Wasaia fi Ishq Al Nisaa” is a Breach of Freedom of Opinion and Expression and a Threat to the Civil State
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 the book is Ahmed El Shahawy, a poet. It was published by the General Book Authority as part of the “Reading for All” series 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. He accused the Ministry of wasting money in issuing a book that “disrespects religion and morality.” Accordingly, the book was collected from the markets further to 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 censorship by 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 by religious institutions, particularly the Islamic Research Institute, which has expanded its authority to censor all forms of audio-visual materials and publications.
EOHR urges the authorities to refrain from implementing the decision, which does not conform to the provisions of Articles 47, 48, and 49 of the Constitution. These articles guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of 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 understood 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 to freedom of opinion, expression and belief.
Finally, EOHR calls upon civil society to cooperate in confronting such measures, which pose constraints to freedom of opinion, expression, thought and belief. Furthermore, it appeals to the Egyptian government to undertake its responsibilities in facing such measures, which threaten the concept of the civil state.
