Jailed Egyptian author appeal delayed

Egyptian author Ahmed Naji who was given a two-year prison sentence for “violating public modesty” after publishing a book with references to sex and drugs, his appeal has been delayed.

The writer was jailed in February for “violating public modesty”was convicted after the state-owned Akhbar al-Adab published extracts from his 2014 novel The Use of Life. Guardian UK reported.

The prosecution followed a reader’s complaint that the extract had caused him to “experience heart palpitations and an extreme feeling of sickness along with a sharp drop in blood pressure”.

The newspaper editor was fined the equivalent of 200 thousand Naira for running the extract.

This is the third attempt to have Naji’s sentence overturned. Though he was initially acquitted of all charges in January, the prosecutor appealed and Naji was found guilty. Guardian UK added.

Naji’s case has been the subject of global protests. Human rights group International PEN said his imprisonment violated the right to freedom of expression.

The good news however is, the appeal will be heard again today in Cairo.

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