Egypt
Graphic novel raises concernPosted Apr 18 2009
Magdi El-Shafei, author of Egypt’s first graphic novel, “Metro,” faces up to two years in prison for charges of “publication and distribution of publications contrary to public morals,” reported the International Freedom of Expression Exchange. The publisher of the book was also charged.
Egyptian police broke into the Malamih publishing office in April 2008 and confiscated copies of the book. Days later the author and publisher were charged, IFEX reported.
“Metro” is an illustrated graphic story “in the form of a dialogue between its characters using colloquial language to relate the story of a frustrated person who tries to steal and fails,” IFEX reported. Egyptian authorities accused the graphic novel of using “abusive” language.
A recent statement on the IFEX Web site said that human rights organizations have defended the author and publisher. “Literary criticism is the only way to judge a creative literary work, and the prosecution of the author and publisher in the criminal court is considered a blatant attack on freedom of expression and freedom of creativity.”
More information
- International Freedom of Expression Exchange