The publishing house that released the novel "Hawariya" in Algeria announced its closure following widespread criticism, describing the work as obscene and contrary to the values of the conservative society. In a statement posted on social media, Dar Maim stated: "To the Algerians, especially intellectuals, to genuine and fake readers, to writers and authors... to genuine publishing houses and those that resemble them... Years have passed in the struggle, both sweet and bitter, during which Dar Maim attempted to present to Algeria, to the intellectual, to the reader, to the writer, to the literary scene and the book industry, a work of artistic, aesthetic, and intellectual value."
It added: "It missed the mark both right and wrong, like every diligent effort, but it presented a good image of the country at all forums. As everyone knows, it did not seek more than that—being careful about the meaning and the significance of being in a place and giving your time, money, and attention to it." They clarified: "However, there is no point or meaning in fighting against futility. We announce today, 16/07/24, our withdrawal from publishing. Leaving the burdens as we have always done. We declare that Maim has closed its doors from this moment, against the wind and against the fire. We were merely promoters of peace and love and sought nothing other than spreading that."
The novel "Hawariya," by writer and translator Enam Bioud, who won the "Asia Jbar" award in its seventh session for 2024, has sparked widespread debate on social media, where many have described it as obscene, while some called for the withdrawal of the award from her. Activists demanded the withdrawal of the Asia Jbar award from the famous author on ethical grounds, while forcing her to apologize to the Algerian people for her scandalous novel, which they believe contains many vulgar colloquial terms and consider titling it "Hawariya" an insult to the city of Oran.
Amidst the defense of some for Bioud, asserting that she is not the only novelist to venture far with her imagination in the world of literature, others questioned, "What will happen to the original text if it is adapted into a Ramadan television series? And is it permissible for the audiovisual regulatory authority to allow a work containing profane, vulgar, and indecent terms?"
