American Bedu

International Book Fair in Riyadh
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Travel and Places

The International Book Fair in Riyadh kicked off this week.  Each evening the local news was reporting live from the book fair and it looked like quite an exciting event with many stalls, exhibits and people.  After the initial kick off, based on what I saw on tv, families were also allowed.  During last night’s 9pm news Saudi TV2 had a trivia game going with several young Saudis at the book fair who all spoke English.  They were asked a variety of questions until only two remained for the primary prizes.  It was very impressive to see the knowledge of the young guys who participated in the contest which included asking them to name the authors of some well-known American classics.  The book fair, in addition to the books (naturally) had other exhibits about Saudi culture and history as well as lecturers.  And what I heard (but do not have confirmed) is that this book fair also had books which were banned in last year’s fair.  Sadly though the latest news is that  the Muttawa raided the book fair today.  I’ve not yet seen anything on the news about this but received several calls advising of this.  I can’t say what this means for the rest of the book fair.  Unfortunately I have not had an opportunity to personally go and see what was there.  UPDATE:  Here is what is in today’s Arab News in regards to accounts of  a raid  (I did not quote the complete article as it is lengthy but only what was pertinent to the alledged raid):Arab News 8 March: MADINAH, 8 March 2007 — Members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice are not allowed to examine cell phones belonging to detainees except in exceptional circumstances, according to senior commission officials. Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Ghaith, president of the commission, disclosed the policy while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a recent course for newly recruited members of the commission in Madinah. Speaking about a reported raid and seizure of books by the commission at the recent book fair in Riyadh, the commission chief said, “These are baseless rumors. First, no raid was made by the commission at the exhibition. On the other hand, the commission blocked the showcasing of some books that contradicted the teachings of Islam and the Shariah, through official channels as the books were damaging to society and members of the public.”  well…although the news is reporting no raid took place I can see where based on the above it does appear the book fair was disrupted to say the least…10:05 AM - 1 Comments – 0 Kudos – Add Comment – Edit - Remove