The Arabist

The Arabist

By Issandr El Amrani and friends.

Minister of Culture Farouq Hosni fired?

Rumor is right now that Farouq Al Hosni, the painter turned Minister of Culture who is rumored to be a close friend and protege of Egypt's first lady Suzanne Mubarak, has resigned.

This comes in response to a barrage of assault on him after a fire in Beni Suef that killed more than 40 people last week. Intellectuals, artists and actors have waged a campaign against Hosni (one of many) since the fire took place, saying that he underfunded theaters, which led to safety budget cuts.

I don't have this 100% confirmed for now, so stay tuned.