Egypt cracks down on authors

It’s a tough time for writers and artists in Egypt.

Novelist Ahmed Naji was sentenced to two years in prison for being “sexually explicit” in his novel, "Using Life."

He discussed genitals and sexual intercourse. The horror!

A lower court had acquitted the writer in December.

Tarek El-Taher, editor of the state-run magazine that published the excerpt of Naji's novel last year, was fined $1,250.

Saturday's verdict is the fourth against an Egyptian writer or artist in the recent months.

Film producer Rana El-Sobky was sentenced to a year in prison for "violating public modesty" in a film released in theaters.

Poet Fatma Naoot was sentenced to three years in prison for contempt of religion for a post she wrote on Facebook.

TV presenter Islam El-Beheiry is serving a yearlong prison sentence after he was found guilty of contempt of religion for questioning traditional interpretations of Islamic teachings.

Five years after the Egyptian revolution, police brutality persists.

Tut, tut, Egypt.