Writers condemn Egypt book removals

Writers condemned the destruction of kiosks on an Alexandria, Egypt, street known for its booksellers, an action ordered by the city's newly appointed governor. Alexandria security officers began removing kiosks on al-Nabi Daniel Street, considered an important local cultural heritage site, early Friday, smashing displays in the book market and leaving piles of books, the Egyptian newspaper al-Masry al-Youm reported Friday. The removal of the book vendors came on the order of Alexandria Gov. Mohamed Atta Abbas and was met with anger by writers and activists who called for demonstrations against the action, the newspaper said. Egyptian writers denounced the destruction of the site, including columnist Bilal Fadl, who said in a Twitter comment, "I call on the Alexandria community to restore Al-Nabi Daniel's kiosks, protect sellers and not destroy the heritage of Alexandria for a governor suffering from intellectual difficulties and flawed priorities."