No plans to ban art in Egypt

Ibrahim Ghonim wants to promote artistic activities Cairo - Arabstoday Egyptian Minister of Education Ibrahim Ghonim has denied reports that the government intends to ban art, music, acting, and singing classes for schoolchildren in Egypt. Speaking to Ahram News, Ghonim described the rumours as "fabrications," and stressed the importance of art for children from a young age. Egyptian newspapers had reported that the ruling Muslim Brotherhood regime was planning to get rid of artistic subjects in schools, on the grounds that they conflict with Islamic law. Last month, privately-owned al-Watan newspaper claimed that the ministry is investigating a complaint filed against a school owned by leading Muslim Brotherhood figure Khairat el-Shater of replacing the country’s national anthem with an Islamic song. The ministry was also forced to deny rumours that photos of prominent feminist figure Doria Shafiq had been removed from textbooks because she was not wearing the Islamic veil.