On 19 June 1995, International PEN wrote to the Egyptian President to express its shock and profound concern at the case of Dr Nasr Hamad Abu Zaid and its implications for the right to freedom of opinion and ideas in Egypt. On 14 June l995, an Egyptian court ruled that Dr Nasr Abu Zaid, a […]
On 19 June 1995, International PEN wrote to the Egyptian
President to express its shock and profound concern at the case
of Dr Nasr Hamad Abu Zaid and its implications for the right to
freedom of opinion and ideas in Egypt. On 14 June l995, an
Egyptian court ruled that Dr Nasr Abu Zaid, a professor at Cairo
University, should be separated from his wife, Dr Ibtihal Unis,
on the grounds that he adopts ideas and opinions which imply
apostasy against the Islamic faith.
PEN deems the ruling immensely disturbing and points out its
devastating effect on the lives of the two people concerned. PEN
believes that this act could further open the door to the murder
of thinkers and writers because of their beliefs or intellectual
judgement. In l992 Dr Farag Fouda was murdered by Islamic
extremists after being accused by them of “apostasy;” in l994
Naguib Mahfouz was stabbed by Islamic extremists; and several
other writers are threatened with death.
Dr Abu Zaid and Dr Unis are both founder members of the Egyptian
PEN Centre.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Egyptian authorities:
violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory, and thus has serious
consequences for freedom of opinion and ideas within Egypt
issue to ensure the right of every individual to freedom of
thought, faith and conscience, and guarantee that no one will be
subjected to any procedure that may jeopardize this right
to protect the lives of Dr Nasr Abu Zaid and his wife, and to
take all necessary steps to prevent any form of violence against
those who seek only the peaceful expression of their views
Appeals To
His Excellency Mohammad Hosni Mubarak
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Oruba Palace
Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
Fax: +202 260 5417
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
