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ANHRI denounces the censorship on publishings in Egypt, as it prevented the import of the book "History of the Modern Middle East" for the American historians, "William Cleveland" and "Martin Benton", without any reasons.

It was scheduled to teach the book to AUC's students of history of modern Arab history, in the next semester. But "Khaled Fahmy," historian and the professor of history at American University in Cairo said that the university administration had told him in a short email, that the censorship, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Information, banned the import of the book, without any reasons.

He explained in an article posted on "Facebook" that the book does not contain any misuse of the Egyptian history and one of the best books dealing with the Arab history to students. He added, he is sad because of the lack of respect for science because of concerns related to national security, which made the researchers use the west library to find references. He criticized the ignorance of those who are responsible for the censorship of publications on the priorities of scientific research, pointing out that national security can not be achieved by banning books, but are available.

The news spread that the reason of the banning is because the book because of "it does not include Haliab and Shalateen (on the borders with Sudan) in its pages)!

ANHRI said that "the ban of books and scientific research is unacceptable, whatever the reasons is totally refused, as it contradicts with the right the knowledge for all people in accordance with the international treaties and conventions."

ANHRI added that "security fist still control the censorship bodies and force them to think through security logic, which is full of false fears which is hostile against the freedom under the name of security".

ANHRI asserted that the need to believe in the freedom of information exchange, a availability of information and stop using the banning and confiscation method which is practiced by the old regime.

ANHRI views that the amendment related to the law on publications issued in 1936 and the enactment of a law to regulate and ensure the right of the information exchange must be a priority for the agenda of the legislature authority immediately after being re-election.

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Africa: ANHRI Condemns the Prevention of the Importing 'History of the Modern Middle East' Book