The American University in Cairo (AUC)
AUC clarified that Raphael Cohen, a member of the jury, is a British citizen who holds no other nationalities.
Cohen, who has lived in Cairo since 2006, is known as a global peace activist and was a member of the International Solidarity Movement; a peaceful protest organisation that supports the Palestinian cause.
According to the AUC’s statement, Cohen has translated several literary texts and novels from and into Arabic, he also chaired the jury for last year's Banipal Prize for Arabic Novels Translated into English.
The AUC affirmed that the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature’s judging panel, chaired by a designated head judge, is composed of translators, academics, and literary critics.
It said that these members are chosen for both their expertise and willingness to dedicate more than a year to reviewing and reflecting on the award submissions.
“The panel is renewed with every award, to ensure balance, freshness, and diversity in the judging process,” the statement read.
Over recent days, Cohen’s appointment to the jury has sparked wide controversy, as his name has fueled doubts and prompted questions and concerns over his nationality and background.
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