The Confiscation of the Book Modern Sheikhs
Egypt, Politics, 10/31/2006

The Egyptian Organization For Human Rights said the decision of the Egyptian Censorship Office to confiscate the book "Modern Sheikhs and the Making of Religious Extremism" by Mouhamed Fattoh "constitutes a violation to freedom of opinion and expression stipulated in Articles 47, 48 and 49 of the Egyptian Constitution, which state the freedom of opinion and expression in literature, art and culture."

It added "This decision also contradicts with Article 19 of ICCPR which is supposed to be included in Egyptian legislation after being ratified by the Egyptian Government."

It sadi "The Egyptian Organization For Human Rights "The Egyptian Censorship had raided Madbouly bookstore, which publisher of the book 'Modern Sheikhs and the Making of Religious Extremism' and confiscated 280 copies of the book claiming that the publisher didn't acquire a license from Al Azhar. There was no official court decision to confiscate the book. The book criticizes Al Azhar and its censorship on art and literature. The book also tackled the right of women to lead prayers, and separating religion from the state."

The organization said "The Egyptian legislator granted the administrative authorities a wide range of powers and authority, such as banning publications and distribution of printed materials. The Council of Ministries has the right to ban any foreign publications, or any books that may contradict with religion in a way that may disturb public security. Also Law 40/1977 (Political Parties Affairs) grants the right to suspend political parties' newspapers, which also constitutes another restriction to freedom of thought and believe, especially that we are now in need to open the doors of Ijtihad (Personal interpretations of religion) in order to reform the religious ideas and concepts."

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