Condemn the trial of Nawal El Saadawi by a Sharia Court in Egypt

To women/ human's rights organizations and activists:

Dear Friends,

There is an ongoing campaign led by Nabih Al Wahsh an Islamic lawyer, to divorce Nawal El Saadawi; the well - known writer and women's rights activist from her husband. The lawyer has filed a suit against Saadawi on the basis of her views on Mecca pilgrimage, hijab and inheritance rights in Islam. In an interview with an Arabic weekly, Saadawi called Mecca pilgrimage as a vestige of paganism; turning around a cube of stones. She also said that Quran mentions no obligation to wear hijab, and women and men should have equal rights in inheritance. Saadawi's mild criticisms within the Islamic framework have been declared to be against Islam and her punishment is seen to be divorcing her from her husband, as according to Islamic principles, her life with her husband is illegitimate. The divorce case will be heard in a sharia court on June 18.

This act is a legal face of the brutalities, bloodshed and the attacks of Islamic groups and Islamic governments on the very basic human's rights and personal freedom and dignity in Iran, Afghanistan, Algeria, Sudan and Egypt in the last two decades.

The trial of Saadawi is an attack on the very basic human rights such as freedom of expression, and personal dignity. And therefore should be condemned by all freedom - lovers and human right's activists.

Azam kamguian

Email: azam_kamguian@yahoo.com

Tel: 0044(0) 788 4040 835

Please write your name and the name of your organization in the list below:

The list of Egyptian's embassies and consulates abroad is also attached. Please send a copy of your protest letters to:

azam_kamguian@yahoo.com

Name:

Organization:

Date: