Opening of Workshop on the Freedom of Thought
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Alexandria— the BA Arab Reform Forum held a two-day workshop entitled “Freedom of Thought” on Monday, 28 August 2006. The workshop discussed the freedom of thought in Egypt as a crucial element in developing the Egyptian society and a gateway towards Egypt’s entry to the knowledge society.
The opening session included a speech by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria and Dr. Gaber Asfour, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Culture. Dr. Serageldin presented the European and American experiences in the issues of freedom and human rights in general, and freedom of thought and expression in particular. He highlighted the main stages reflecting the development of freedom of thought and expression in the American and European experiences. Dr. Serageldin moved to the freedom of thought in the Islamic world and its relation with the American and European experiences amidst the tension witnessed by the entire world as a result of the Prophet (PBUH) caricatures. Finally, he stressed that the freedom of expression should not mean offending others.
Dr. Gaber Asfour explained the political situation governing freedom of thought and its relation to what he called the “authoritative state”. He also discussed the religious discourse and concluded that freedom of thought and expression is linked to political, religious, social, and economic interactions.
The first day of the workshop included three sessions:
—Historic Background of Freedom of Thought in Egypt
Moderator: Dr. Khaled Fahmy
Speakers: Dr. Emad Abu Ghazy and Dr. Mohamed Hakem
—Legal Framework of Freedom of Thought
Moderator: Mr. Sayed Yassen
Speakers: Dr. Said El-Dakak and Dr. Mohamed Nour Farahat
—Academic Freedom in Egypt
Moderator: Faisal Younis
Speakers: Dr. Gaber Asfour and Dr. Mohamed Abu Al-Ghar