Belgrade publisher
Beobook returned to bookstore shelves Monday a translation of the controversial
book Jewel of Medina by American author Sherry Jones.
The book was removed in August after protests by the Islamic community in Serbia. The withdrawal caused uproar among human rights organizations who complained of
censorship.
Beobook said the book was returned to the stores after positive reviews from
the readers who bought pirate copies or paid a lot for the remaining copies.
"This decision is good both for the Islamic community in Serbia and for the readers who are the only competent to judge, and for the publisher as
well" Beobook's owner Aleksandar Jasic told local media.
Islamic community did not immediately comment on Beobook's decision to resume
the sales.
Jewel of Medina describes the Muslim Prophet Mohammed's relationship with his
favorite wife, Aisha. Serbia's Islamic leaders strongly protested the
publication of the book accusing Beobook of desecrating Mohammed and his family.
The Serbian translation was to be the first worldwide following the publication
of the book in the US. US publisher Random House withdrew the book from the US market following protests from Muslims, dpa reported.