The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information announced today that it obtained a list of the confiscated books that were banned from distribution in Muscat International Book Fair, which ended this month, March 2010. In addition, ANHRI learnt the names of three Omani writers and journalists, listed in what is known in the black list of Oman, which includes writers and journalists who are allowed no media appearance. The Arabic Network has obtained some of the titles banned from circulation in Oman, and waited for the Omani government to take a step forward in Muscat International Book Fair 2010, which ended this March, by lifting the ban or showing some tolerance regarding these books. In fact, ANHRI was surprised at more titles being seized, some of which are: - Hadd Al Shouf, (the extent of vision), stories by by Salim AlTowaih - Abaad min Zanzibar (Further than Zanzibar) a poetry book by Mohammed Al Harthy - AlWakhz, (The Prick) a novel by Hussein AlAbry, AlIntishar AlArabi Print house, Beirut. - Christianization campaigns in Oman and the contemporary relationship between Christianity and Islam, by Suleiman al-Husseini. - Mofakarat Al Gawari wa AlGhelman (Boasting maidens and boys) by AlGahiz , AlIntishar AlArabi Print house, Beirut. - Tribes on the eve of English coup in Salalah, by Ahmed Al-Zubaidi - Poetry of Abu Muslim Albahlani, a study by Mohammed Al Harthy. - When Kazina shook dust off her night gown and White birds, black birds, two story books for Mohamed AlYahyai - The proof of honey, a novel by Salwa AlNaimi. - The farce of the human mind, by Ali AlWardi. - Mohamed – the character, a study by Maarouf AlRusafi. The Arabic Network also expressed extreme resentment at the continued application of what is known as the black list, which includes the names of writers and journalists who are not allowed any media appearance. In addition, their writings and names are steadily obscured. Some of them are: 1 – Mohamed AlYahyai, author and journalist. 2 – Mohamed A Harthy, writer and poet. 3 – Abdullah AlRiyami, a poet and human rights activist. The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said â€the Omani government should be aware that this type of control will no longer work out. A book seeker is bound to find it, especially in the time of information revolution. “This continued monitoring, the dominating approach and adopting confiscation would only result in describing the Omani government by being hostile to freedom of expression, which we hope can be avoided by allowing the circulation of books and ideas, whether pro or against.” ANHRI
