Poet and Novelist Amjad Nasser Denied Entry for US Reading

Today, the Gallatin School of New York University inaugurates its “Gallatin Global Writers” series. It was to be kicked off by universally acclaimed Jordanian-British poet and novelist Amjad Nasser. Then he was refused entry by Homeland Security:

According to an update on the NYU Gallatin page:

The reading of Nasser’s writing will take place…as scheduled, in protest of this occurrence. Nasser will join us from London via Skype, and Sinan Antoon will read the English translations of this work as planned.

We urge you to show your support by coming to the reading.

On Jadaliyya, Nasser has written about the experience of being blacklisted by the US. His “When Your Name is on the Blacklist” was translated by Sinan Antoon.

From the piece:

– What is the reason?

– I cannot disclose that.

– Do I not have a right to know the reason?

– No.

– Just like that?

– Just like that.

If you’re in NYC, please do go to the Jerry H. Labowitz Theatre for the Performing Arts at 6:30 p.m. to show your support and to hear the work of one of the great writers of our time. More event details here.

Also:

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Jonathan Wright on the Novel as Close to the One He’d Like to Write ‘As Any Arabic Book Could Be’

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