Statement

Cairo May 26, 2001

Clarification
Regarding the divorce case filed against
Dr. Nawal El-Saadawi and Dr. Sherif Hetata

The Egyptian Committee for Solidarity with Nawal El-Saadawi has recently received a number of questions and queries regarding the decision made by the prosecutor-general on May 23, to reject a complaint filed against Dr. Nawal El-Saadawi, accusing her of contempt for Islam, and asking for her separation from her husband, Dr. Sherif Hetata, on the grounds of apostasy.

While we welcome the decision made by the prosecutor-general, unfortunately, the case is not yet over. The same plaintiff who filed the complaint, has filed a case with the Cairo Personal Status Court, accusing Dr. Nawal El-Saadawi with the same charges.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on June 18, 2001.

Therefore, the Committee is determined to continue its solidarity efforts with Dr. Saadawi. The Committee also announces that its effort will not stop at this particular case, but will be extended to target the Hisba law (law 3/1996), until it is completely repealed from Egyptian legislation.

The Committee calls for the continuation of solidarity with Nawal El-Saadawi until the case is dropped on June 18. The Committee also appeals for support for its ongoing campaign to repeal the Hisba law.

The Egyptian Committee for Solidarity with Nawal El-Saadawi
For more information contact:
gassur@excite.com
hosams@intouch.com
nawalsaadawi@yahoo.com
Internet: http://www.geocities.com/nawalsaadawi