Egypt Bans Publisher From Fair

The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE) has denounced the General Egyptian Book Organization's (GEBO) decision to bar ElMaraya for Culture and Arts from the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair without explanation. This decision reflects ongoing censorship and security pressures aimed at silencing ElMaraya, violating the constitutional right to freedom of creativity and artistic expression.

ElMaraya reported its account on the book fair’s website was abruptly closed, blocking their ability to rent a pavilion, despite years of consistent participation. AFTE asserts this ban is politically motivated, part of a broader effort to suppress independent cultural organizations.

In 2024, ElMaraya faced raids, confiscation of books and documents, and the detention of staff. The targeting intensified after ElMaraya planned a seminar for opposition poet Ahmed Douma, later canceled under pressure. AFTE calls on GEBO to reverse the ban and urges Egyptian authorities to stop suppressing artistic freedoms and dismantling the country’s cultural landscape.

Source: https://afteegypt.org/en/advocacy-en/statements-en/2025/01/05/39310-afteegypt.html

ElMaraya Ban Highlights Political Censorship

The ban on ElMaraya from participating in the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair appears to be politically motivated, reflecting a broader pattern of censorship and suppression of independent cultural organizations in Egypt. The main reasons behind the ban include:

1. Political targeting: ElMaraya has faced increased pressure and scrutiny due to its attempts to publish and promote works by opposition figures[1][2].

2. Security concerns: The publishing house has been subjected to raids, confiscations, and detentions of staff members, indicating that security agencies view it as a potential threat[1][3].

3. Censorship of controversial content: ElMaraya's plans to publish a second edition of poems by opposition activist Ahmed Douma and organize a seminar featuring him led to increased targeting of the company[1][2].

4. Systematic exclusion: The ban is part of a broader trend where certain publishing houses are excluded from the fair for political and security reasons, as documented by the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE)[1].

5. Pretext of legal violations: Authorities have used accusations of tax evasion, artwork violations, and publishing without proper documentation as justifications for targeting ElMaraya, though these are believed to mask political motives[2][3].

The ban on ElMaraya is seen as a violation of the right to freedom of creativity and artistic expression guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution and international conventions[1]. It reflects the ongoing efforts by Egyptian authorities to restrict independent cultural organizations and control the cultural landscape in the country.

Citations:

[1] https://afteegypt.org/en/advocacy-en/statements-en/2025/01/05/39310-afteegypt.html

[2] https://www.fidh.org/en/region/north-africa-middle-east/egypt/human-rights-organizations-condemn-the-targeting-of-elmaraya-for

[3] https://eipr.org/en/press/2024/08/human-rights-organizations-condemn-targeting-elmaraya-culture-and-arts-and-call

[4] https://afteegypt.org/en/research-en/2024/05/22/37349-afteegypt.html

[5] https://www.egyptindependent.com/cairo-book-fair-confiscates-book-by-mb-founder-banna/

[6] https://x.com/afteegypt/status/1876659774395126154

[7] https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/18/457150/Books/BOOK-REVIEW-New-titles-at-the--Cairo-International.aspx

[8] https://www.kongehuset.no/tale.html?tid=225012&sek=26947&scope=27248