The executives at PEN America have composed a letter calling for the release of Ahmed Naji. According to the press release, this Egyptian writer was given a two-year jail sentence for featuring references to sex and drugs in his novel The Use of Life.
More than 120 authors, journalists, and celebrities have given their support for this venture by signing this letter. Some of the participants include Chimamanda Adichie, John Green, Neil Gaiman, Woody Allen, and Stephen Sondheim. Here’s an excerpt:
“Writing is not a crime. As you know, Egypt’s 2014 Constitution protects freedom of expression under Art. 65. In addition, Art. 67 expressly protects freedom of artistic and literary creation and forbids the jailing of writers and artists for publishing their work. The charges against Mr. Naji, brought under Art. 178 of Egypt’s Penal Code, directly contravene these constitutional provisions.”