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5/6/2001
Resuming the inquisitions: once again an author is brought before state security prosecution
The Association for Human Rights Legal Aid urges the restoration of the national committee for protecting the freedom of belief and expression Given its firm belief in the right of expression of writers, journalists and thinkers, the Association for Human Rights Legal Aid (AHRLA) expresses its grave concern over the actions of the authorities in recent times under different pretexts, the principle one among which being the need to avoid provoking conservative religious groups in society. This has led to the censuring of academics and writers in the name of protecting national interest and religious beliefs - bringing to mind the horrific events committed during the Inquisitions of the middle ages. It likewise rejects the role of supervising body which religious organizations are attempting to play, a role that is exemplified by the Islamic Research Center, a subordinate of Al-Azhar's. This ranges from stating their positions on different publications to direct requests for confiscation. AHRLA expresses its growing concern about the security and judicial measures used to intimidate writers and thinkers and which began with the sentence to part Dr. Nassr Hamid Abou Zayd from his wife, followed by the sentencing of author Salah Eddin Mohsen to three years and the judicial steps taken against Dr. Nawal Saadawi as well as the author Khalil Abdul Kareem. And finally, Alaa Hamid is to stand trial today (in the presence of a lawyer from AHRLA) for what came in his book "Ahzaan El Dafadi", translated as (Sadness of Frogs). AHRLA condemns the use of religion as a tool to frighten various forms of political and ideological opposition. This represents a grave threat to freedom of expression, and contributes to a loss in belief of democracy. AHRLA therefore appeals to all civil society organizations to lend their support to thinkers and writers, and work towards the restoration of the national committee for the protection of freedom of belief and expression in order to combat all forms of control and censorship, whether initiated by the government or any other party. |