Egypt's intellectuals called Monday for applying article 67 of Egypt's constitution following a two-year sentence against journalist and novelist Ahmed Najy, Al-Bawaba News reported. This article states that" Freedom of artistic and literary creation is guaranteed. The state cares for promoting art and literature, sponsors creators and protects their creations, and provides the necessary means of encouragement to achieve this end. No lawsuits may be initiated or filed to suspend or confiscate any artistic, literary, or intellectual work, or against their creators except through the public prosecution. No punishments of custodial sanction may be imposed for crimes committed because of the public nature of the artistic, literal or intellectual product". An Egyptian court sentenced Najy to two years in prison over publishing a "flagrantly erotic text that spewed sexual lust and transient pleasures, using his mind and pen to violate public decency and good morals, inciting promiscuity." Egypt witnessed in 2015 a wide controversy over sentences against writer Fatima Naoot and researcher Islam Al-Beheiry over accusations of contempt of religion.
