CAIRO: The Cairo International Book Fair saw security and government forces rear their ugly face on Friday, when a Libyan author had his book confiscated and banned from the festival. According to local reports, the publisher of the text critical of the Libyan government, was also arrested.

The book, “The Leader is cutting his hair,” has been taken by Egyptian security forces in a raid at the international book fair, local newspapers reported. All copies of the book have been taken and it is unclear what action will be taken against the publisher.

According to rights groups, the publisher could face criminal charges. Author Idris Ali, is a Nubian writer who lived in the North African nation in the late 1970s.

“The book is about the repressive regime in Libya, [Muammar] Gaddafi’s dictatorship,” Ahmed Ezzat, from the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, was quoted as saying.

The Egyptian security forces are known for their harsh treatment of writers and political dissidents and have frequently confiscated books they deem inappropriate. Most of these books at the festival, which showcases local and international talent, are banned before the festival begins, mainly for sexual content that is written.

The move comes as Egypt attempts to regain its statue across the world after international rights groups have continually condemned the use of censorship against authors for what they write.

The country’s first graphic novel, “Metro,” has already been banned from circulation and the author, Magdy el-Shafei, faces jail time for his work.

BM

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